Senegal’s national team coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has appealed to supporters to stop organising fundraising campaigns aimed at paying a hefty fine imposed on him by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saying their generosity would be better spent on more urgent social causes. Thiaw’s plea came after his name became associated with online campaigns seeking to raise the $100,000 penalty handed down over controversial incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

The sanctions stem from CAF’s disciplinary ruling after Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch in protest during the final — a match Senegal eventually won in extra time. Alongside the fine, CAF also imposed a five-match suspension on Thiaw in African competitions, and issued heftier fines and bans affecting other players and the Senegalese football federation itself.

In a heartfelt social media message, Thiaw thanked fans for their solidarity but said he did not want fundraisers held in his name, urging supporters to redirect their contributions toward helping people in genuine need across the country. His call has been met with praise for its humility and emphasis on community welfare, even as debate continues around the original CAF sanctions.