FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has condemned the actions of some Senegalese players, supporters, and members of the technical crew following “unacceptable scenes” that overshadowed Senegal’s victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino criticised the decision by several Senegal players to walk off the pitch in protest after Morocco was 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. “Equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
The incident occurred deep into injury time with the score tied at 0–0, when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz. In protest, most Senegal players left the pitch, forcing a lengthy delay.
Senegal captain and former Liverpool star Sadio Mané remained on the field and was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could resume.
Tensions were already high after Senegal had a goal disallowed minutes earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul.
Disorder also erupted in the stands, with some Senegalese supporters attempting to enter the pitch and clashing with security personnel. The match was halted for nearly 20 minutes before Díaz eventually took the penalty. His attempted panenka was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal went on to secure victory in dramatic fashion, as Pape Gueye scored a superb goal in the fourth minute of extra time to seal a 1–0 win.
While congratulating Morocco on what he described as “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a significant boost ahead of their role as co-hosts of the men’s 2030 World Cup — Infantino stressed the importance of respecting 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 on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
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Infantino also warned that such scenes send the wrong message to fans worldwide, especially with the upcoming World Cup finals to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico later this year.
“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 disciplinary bodies at CAF to take the appropriate measures,” Infantino noted.
