Teranga Lions appear before CAF’s disciplinary panel
Football authorities are weighing disciplinary action against Senegal following a controversial Africa Cup of Nations final, but FIFA is not expected to support demands that the team be barred from the 2026 World Cup, reports lentedesportiva.pt.
 
The issue has drawn attention not only because of events on the pitch, but also because it unfolds as the next World Cup faces broader political and logistical challenges linked to its North American hosts.
 
Senegal, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, came under scrutiny after players left the field during the AFCON final in protest at a disputed penalty decision. The incident sparked criticism across African football and led to calls for sanctions against those involved.
 
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it did not condone the actions of certain players and officials. In a statement, CAF said it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials” and confirmed that it is reviewing match footage.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” the organisation said.
 
According to French sports newspaper L’Equipe, CAF is close to issuing a ruling. Reported options include fines between €50,000 and €100,000, along with suspensions for individual players and head coach Pape Thiaw.
 
Some observers have argued that the punishment should go further. Moroccan lawyer Adil Mouline publicly called for Senegal to be stripped of their AFCON title and excluded from the next World Cup.

Writing on X, Mouline said: “In this context, the ONLY sanction that can fulfil the overarching goals of justice and deterrence is the formal disqualification of the Senegal national team from the AFCON 2025 final… and the suspension of the Senegal national team from the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
 
Despite such calls, L’Equipe reported that FIFA is opposed to a World Cup ban, and world football’s governing body is not believed to be seriously considering that option.
 
The Senegalese team appeared before CAF’s disciplinary jury on Tuesday over the events during the AFCON final.
 
The team was represented by the Senegalese Football Federation secretary general with legal counsel from Maitre Seydou Diagne.

Questioned by the panel were Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and players Ismaila Sarr and Illman Ndiaye. The case is expected to be decided within the 48-hour deadline set by the panel.