A sanction that could go beyond AFCON

The fallout from the chaotic AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco is far from over. While the continental title has already been decided, disciplinary consequences are still being analyzed — and the most serious punishment may fall on Senegal’s coach, who is under scrutiny for his role in the attempted walk-off during the final minutes of the match.

According to sources consulted by Spanish outlet MD, the coach is considered the main instigator behind the decision to leave the pitch in protest after the controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

CAF, not FIFA, will decide

Any potential sanction will be handled by the Confederation of African Football, not FIFA. As tournament organizer, CAF has full disciplinary authority over incidents that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations, just as UEFA would in a European Championship scenario.

The concern for Senegal is that the punishment could extend well beyond a fine. Sources indicate that the coach could face a lengthy suspension, raising a crucial question: could it affect his presence at the 2026 World Cup?

World Cup participation in doubt

Senegal’s World Cup debut is scheduled for June 16, less than five months away. A suspension of several months could prevent the coach from leading the team on the world’s biggest stage, an outcome that would significantly impact Senegal’s preparation and continuity.

FIFA regulations in similar cases reference minimum suspensions of six months, along with financial penalties. CAF’s disciplinary code also leaves little room for leniency when conduct is deemed to have discredited the game.

Federation also at risk

Article 83 of CAF’s Disciplinary Code states that national associations are responsible for ensuring that matches are not brought into disrepute by the behavior of players, officials, or any individual acting on their behalf.

That means Senegal’s Football Federation could also face heavy sanctions, in addition to any punishment imposed on the coach and players involved.

A title won… but consequences still looming

While Senegal ultimately returned to the pitch, survived the penalty — saved by Edouard Mendy — and went on to win the final in extra time, the controversy surrounding the incident refuses to fade.

The AFCON trophy is already in Dakar. But for Senegal’s coach, the most important verdict may still be to come. 

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