Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, both involved in the late-game controversy, have each been handed two-match suspensions. The uproar began when the second-placed team, Morocco, was granted a penalty in stoppage time. West Ham's El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have fouled Brahim Diaz, leading referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to review the incident via VAR before signaling for a penalty.

Apart from Liverpool legend Sadio Mane, Senegal's team and coaching staff left the pitch in protest and retreated to their locker rooms.

After a lengthy 17-minute delay, they ultimately reappeared, but Morocco missed their crucial chance as the Real Madrid striker opted for a Panenka penalty, which was saved by former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, allowing Senegal to clinch victory in extra time. Still, the unpleasant scenes had already grabbed headlines worldwide.

Thiaw later recognized his error in leading his team off the field. He stated: "I apologize for how we handled the football. After thinking it through, I decided to have them return [to the pitch] - emotions can take over in the heat of the moment.

"We acknowledge the referee's mistakes. Our actions were inappropriate, but what's done is done, and we now extend our apologies to the sport."

Thiaw's anger, especially directed at the referee, arose from the decision to disallow a goal by Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr, who had scored from close range earlier in the match. Morocco's coach Walid Regragui condemned Senegal's actions as "shameful."

Mane received accolades for his role in calming the situation, as he opted not to join the walk-off protests and instead played a vital part in convincing the team to return to play.

He remarked: "Football is something extraordinary; the entire world was watching, so we must portray a positive image for the sport. I believe it would be absurd to forfeit this match just because the referee awarded a penalty and we walk off? That would be the worst outcome, particularly for African football. I would rather lose than allow this situation to taint our sport."