Pape Thiaw Urges Supporters to Redirect Fundraiser After CAF Sanctions

Senegal Coach Thanks Fans but Calls for Donations to Support Urgent Causes

Dakar, Senegal — Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw has expressed gratitude to supporters who launched a fundraising campaign to help cover his Confederation of African Football (CAF) fine, but he has respectfully urged them to redirect the funds toward more urgent social causes. The appeal follows CAF’s disciplinary ruling related to incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final, which sparked widespread debate across African football circles. ESPN Africa reported on the CAF sanctions.

The CAF Disciplinary Board handed Thiaw a five-match suspension along with a financial penalty after determining that his conduct briefly disrupted match proceedings. The controversy surrounding the incident has been widely discussed in Senegalese and African sports media, including detailed coverage by GhanaMedia’s earlier report on CAF’s suspension of Pape Thiaw.

In a public statement addressing the fundraiser, Thiaw said: “People of Senegal, my family, your solidarity since the announcement of the sanctions has touched me deeply. Thank you for the love you show me every day.” However, he emphasized that while he appreciates the generosity, he believes the funds could better serve vulnerable communities in need. His reaction was also highlighted in regional football discussions, as reported by Sport News Africa.

The broader disciplinary actions following the AFCON final have also placed Senegalese football under intense scrutiny, similar to debates raised after player conduct incidents involving national team stars. Ghanaian audiences previously reacted strongly to disciplinary issues involving Senegalese players, as seen in GhanaMedia’s coverage of Sadio Mané’s tunnel incident.

Analysts say Thiaw’s request to redirect fundraiser contributions demonstrates humility and leadership, reinforcing his standing within African football. CAF’s official disciplinary decisions continue to generate reactions across the continent, with further analysis published by Punch Sports.