Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Urges Fans Not to Pay $100,000 AFCON Fine Despite Citizens Offering to Contribute

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, has asked fans not to fundraise to pay his fine after the dramatic African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. The CAF Disciplinary Board fined Thiaw $100,000 (about KSh 13 million) and imposed a $615,000 fine on the Senegalese team for their role in the match.

Following the announcement, some Senegalese citizens offered to contribute money to help Thiaw pay the fine. However, the coach politely declined their gesture. He said, “People of Senegal, my family, your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions touches me deeply. Thank you for the love you show me every day. However, I humbly ask you not to organize fundraising campaigns in my name.”

Thiaw continued, “While I understand and appreciate this outpouring of generosity, I urge you to redirect these funds to more urgent causes, for the benefit of those who truly need them.” His message emphasized supporting the less fortunate rather than focusing on his personal penalties.

The African football governing body imposed over $1 million in fines and bans on several players from Senegal and Morocco after the tense final in Rabat on January 18, 2026. Fans attempted to storm the field, players walked off, and journalists clashed during the match. CAF clarified that the sanctions only apply to African competitions and will not affect Senegal or Morocco’s participation in the upcoming World Cup in June.

During the final, Senegal’s players, under Thiaw’s guidance, walked off to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF responded by banning Thiaw for five African matches and fining him for bringing the game into disrepute. After a 15-minute delay, the match resumed. Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal scored in extra time to win the African title 1-0.

Thiaw’s appeal highlights his humility and concern for social issues. He values the support of his fans but encourages them to focus on helping those in real need. His stance has been widely praised across Senegal and beyond.