FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly criticised the actions of some Senegal players, officials and supporters after chaotic scenes overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, despite Senegal eventually lifting the trophy with a dramatic extra-time victory over hosts Morocco.
In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino described the decision by several Senegal players to walk off the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco as “unacceptable”.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said.
“Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. It is simply not right.”
Controversy Erupts After Late VAR Decision
The AFCON final was level at 0-0 deep into injury time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. The decision sparked fury among Senegal’s players, many of whom walked off the pitch in protest.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mané remained on the field and was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could continue. Senegal’s anger was heightened by the fact that they had seen a goal disallowed minutes earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul at the opposite end.
As tensions escalated, disturbances broke out in the stands, with some Senegalese supporters attempting to enter the pitch and clashing with security personnel. The game was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before order was restored.
Missed Penalty and Dramatic Winner
When play finally resumed, Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty but his attempted panenka was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal went on to seize the moment in extra time, as Pape Gueye produced a stunning strike in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a 1-0 victory and crown Senegal African champions.
Infantino Urges Respect for Officials
While congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a timely boost ahead of their role as co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup — Infantino stressed the need for teams to respect match officials.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.
“Teams must compete within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
Warning Ahead of Global Tournaments
Infantino, with an eye on the upcoming World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, warned that scenes like those witnessed in Casablanca send the wrong message to fans worldwide.
“It is the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he added.
“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. They have no place in football.”
The FIFA president concluded by expressing his expectation that CAF’s disciplinary bodies would take appropriate action following the incidents that marred African football’s biggest night.
