‘Unacceptable Scenes’: FIFA boss slams Senegal players after AFCON chaos

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly criticised the conduct of some Senegalese players and supporters following the dramatic scenes that disrupted Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against hosts Morocco.

Infantino described the pitch walkout by Senegal players in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco as “unacceptable,” insisting that such actions have no place in football.

In a statement issued to AFP, the FIFA president said both players and supporters must uphold the values of the game, regardless of the circumstances.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters, as well as some Senegalese players and members of the technical crew. Leaving the field of play in this manner is unacceptable. Violence, in any form, cannot be tolerated in our sport,” Infantino said.

The AFCON final, which ended in a 1-0 extra-time victory for Senegal, was plunged into chaos deep into injury time of normal play when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz.

With the scoreline still goalless at the time, several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest, forcing a lengthy delay. Senegal captain and former Liverpool forward, Sadio Mané, remained on the field and was seen urging his teammates to return so the match could continue.

The Senegalese camp was already aggrieved after having a goal disallowed minutes earlier for what appeared to be a marginal foul.

Tension also spilled into the stands, as some Senegal supporters attempted to gain access to the pitch, resulting in scuffles with security personnel. The match was halted for nearly 20 minutes before order was restored.

When play resumed, Díaz attempted a delicate ‘panenka’ penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy calmly saved the effort.

Senegal eventually sealed victory in extra time when Pape Gueye struck a superb goal in the fourth minute, handing the Teranga Lions a hard-fought triumph.

While congratulating Morocco for hosting what he described as a “fantastic tournament,” Infantino stressed that respect for match officials is fundamental to the integrity of the sport.

“We must always respect the decisions of match officials, both on and off the pitch. Football must be played within the Laws of the Game. Anything less threatens the very essence of the sport,” he said.

Infantino warned that the scenes from the final sent the wrong message to fans across the world, especially with the global spotlight already turning towards the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

“It is the responsibility of players and teams to act responsibly and set the right example for millions watching around the world. What we witnessed must be condemned and must never be repeated,” he added.

He concluded by calling on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.