FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that disrupted Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty decision.
In a statement issued to AFP, Infantino criticised the conduct of some Senegal players, technical staff, and supporters, describing the incident as damaging to the integrity of the game.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner. Equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
The final, held between Senegal and Morocco, was overshadowed by controversy deep into injury time of normal regulation, with the score level at 0–0. Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz, prompting widespread protests from the Senegalese players.
Most of the Senegal team walked off the pitch in frustration, while former Liverpool star Sadio Mané remained on the field and attempted to persuade his teammates to return so play could resume.
The Senegal players were already aggrieved after having a goal disallowed moments earlier for what they believed was a soft foul in the buildup.
Tensions escalated further in the stands as some Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the pitch, leading to clashes with security officials.
The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before Díaz eventually took the penalty. His attempted panenka was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, keeping the scores level.
Senegal later secured victory when Pape Gueye scored a stunning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a 1–0 win and the AFCON title.
While congratulating Morocco for “a fantastic tournament” both as runners-up and hosts — a significant milestone ahead of their role as co-hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup — Infantino stressed the importance of respecting match officials’ decisions.
“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.”
Infantino also warned that such incidents send the wrong message to fans worldwide, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, to be co-hosted by 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 the millions watching around the world,” he said.
“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 action.”
AFP
