AFCON Final Chaos: Senegal Coach May Miss World Cup Games; Hakimi Also Punished

Senegal boss Pape Thiaw and Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi have been hit with a ban following the Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal's dramatic 1-0 win over the tournament's hosts was marred by violence with Thiaw calling his players to walk off the pitch in protest over the officiating. Now, bans and fines have been handed out by the Confederation of African Football.

Just when it looked like Senegal would secure a last-gasp winner through Abdoulaye Seck at The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium earlier this month, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed his effort and then shortly after awarded Morocco a soft penalty. Coach Thiaw was incensed and called his players to head to the changing rooms in protest. When play resumed more than 15 minutes later, Real Madrid star Diaz had his Panenka spotkick easily saved, before Pape Gueye scored a brilliant winner in extra-time to take the AFCON crown.

After the final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned what unfolded in the final as "unacceptable."

"We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands — we strongly condemn the behavior of some supporters as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members," he said. "It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right."

According to the Daily Mail, Senegal coach Thiaw has been suspended for five matches and fined £72,000 for 'unsporting conduct' when he told his players to leave the pitch. Senegal's FA have also been fined £445,000 for their conduct and the behaviour of some Lions of Teranga fans after violence broke out between them and security at the ground.

Everton's Illiman Ndiaye and Crystal Palace's