FIFA President Gianni Infantino has criticised the conduct of some Senegalese players, officials and supporters following chaotic scenes during Sunday night’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, describing the incidents as unacceptable and damaging to the game.
The FIFA chief reacted after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco, a decision that sparked widespread disruption both on the field and in the stands.
In a statement posted on his official Instagram account, Infantino said, ”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.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”
The final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was interrupted by prolonged protests after the referee awarded Morocco a controversial penalty in injury time following a VAR review. The decision was made after a challenge on Brahim Diaz late in normal time.
The ruling triggered heated reactions, with Senegalese players temporarily abandoning the pitch in protest. Tensions escalated further as sections of the away support threw objects and attempted to enter the field of play, leading to clashes with security personnel.
Despite the unrest, Senegal’s former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and appealed to his teammates to return so the match could continue.
After nearly 20 minutes of stoppage, Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but failed to convert, seeing his attempted “panelka kick” saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal’s frustration was reportedly fuelled by an earlier incident at the opposite end of the pitch, where they believed a legitimate goal had been disallowed for what appeared to be a soft foul decision.
While disorder continued in the stands, play eventually resumed, and Pape Gueye struck a superb goal in the fourth minute of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory for his side.
Infantino, who congratulated Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a significant moment ahead of their role as co-hosts of the men’s 2030 World Cup — stressed the importance of respecting officiating decisions.
“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.”
With an eye on the upcoming World Cup finals co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Infantino warned that scenes like those witnessed in the AFCON final send the wrong signal to fans globally.
“It is also 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 said.
“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”
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