FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a strong rebuke over the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, condemning the conduct of some Senegalese players, officials and supporters during the tense closing moments of the match.
In a statement released after Sunday night’s final, Infantino described the behaviour surrounding the late penalty incident as “unacceptable,” stressing that walking off the pitch in protest undermines the integrity of football.
“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 FIFA president’s reaction followed dramatic scenes late in regulation time when Senegal players appeared to walk off the pitch in protest after the referee awarded a stoppage-time penalty to hosts Morocco. The decision sparked furious protests from the Senegalese camp and briefly pushed the match to the brink of abandonment.
Despite the controversy, Senegal went on to claim the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after edging Morocco 1–0 in a pulsating and ill-tempered final at the Rabat Stadium.
Played before a vociferous home crowd, the match was high on tension from the opening whistle. Senegal asserted control early, dominating possession and dictating the tempo against a Moroccan side energised by home support but largely kept on the defensive.
The Teranga Lions’ superiority in midfield was clear, though both teams defended resolutely in a fiercely contested first half that ended goalless.
After the break, Senegal intensified the pressure, pinning Morocco back and probing for an opening. Their breakthrough appeared to arrive in the closing minutes of normal time when the ball found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up, igniting outrage among Senegalese players and supporters.
The disallowed goal set the stage for further drama. Deep into stoppage time, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, plunging the stadium into chaos. Senegal players surrounded the official in protest, with some briefly heading towards the tunnel in scenes that drew widespread criticism.
Morocco’s hopes rested on Brahim Díaz, who had won the penalty, but his weak effort was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, a moment that swung the momentum decisively.
The miss appeared to deflate the hosts, while Senegal regrouped and entered extra time with renewed belief. Just minutes into the additional period, Pap Gueye struck the decisive goal, firing a precise shot past the Moroccan goalkeeper to finally break the deadlock.
Senegal then showed composure and resilience, absorbing late pressure to see out the match. When the final whistle sounded, celebrations erupted as the West African side secured a second AFCON title, even as Infantino’s condemnation ensured that the controversy surrounding the final would remain firmly in the spotlight.
Leave a Reply