——- Says teams must respect match officials and the Laws of the Game.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the behaviour of some Senegal players, officials and supporters following chaotic scenes that disrupted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco on Sunday.
Despite Senegal eventually clinching a dramatic 1–0 victory in extra time to lift the continental trophy, the final in Rabat was overshadowed by controversy, protests and crowd unrest.
In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino described the actions of those involved as “unacceptable”, criticising the decision by several Senegalese players and members of the technical staff to walk off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty.
“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.
The incident occurred deep into injury time with the match still goalless, when Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled following a VAR review. The decision sparked outrage among Senegal players, many of whom left the pitch in protest.
Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the field and was seen urging his teammates to return so play could resume. Senegal’s anger was heightened by a goal they had earlier seen disallowed for what appeared to be a soft foul.
The stoppage lasted nearly 20 minutes as tensions spilled into the stands, where some Senegal supporters attempted to invade the pitch and clashed with security officials.
When order was eventually restored, Diaz’s audacious panenka penalty was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a moment that proved pivotal. Senegal then sealed victory in the fourth minute of extra time through a stunning strike from Pape Gueye.
While congratulating Morocco for hosting “a fantastic tournament” and finishing as runners-up — a positive sign ahead of their role as co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Anything less puts the very essence of football at risk,” he said.
Infantino also warned that the scenes sent the wrong message to fans worldwide, especially with the FIFA World Cup approaching later this year in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “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, and I expect the relevant CAF disciplinary bodies to take appropriate measures,” he concluded.