Senegal to appeal Pape Thiaw's suspension by Confederation of African Football

Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal are set to appeal the Confederation of African Football's decision to suspend Pape Thiaw for five matches following a melee in the recently concluded tournament's final with hosts Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga clinched their second AFCON title on 18 January as Pape Gueye struck in the 94th minute to earn his team a narrow 1-0 victory, but the game was marred by controversy.

After Morocco were awarded a contentious penalty in stoppage-time when the game was still locked at 0-0, Thiaw, the head coach, signaled to his team to leave the pitch in protest, which they did.

Days later, the CAF announced a series of sanctions against those involved in the mayhem, including Thiaw, who was handed a five-match ban for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute”.

An additional fine of $100,000 was also slapped on the 44-year-old manager. But now, Senegal have announced they are going to file an appeal against the decision.

Senegal's Minister for Youth and Sports Khady Diene Gaye told reporters after the announcement:

“Everything that can be done to mitigate this sanction, we will do. I don't think it's in the interests of our team for its coach to be sitting on the bench – in the stands, that is – for five CAF matches, on top of a financial penalty."

Senegal can appeal the decision before the CAF commission or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.