FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the actions of some Senegal players and staff following the dramatic conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. The match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Morocco after extra time, was marred by chaos after a late, controversial penalty was awarded to the North African side.
In a statement shared on his official Instagram page, Infantino described the behaviour as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that leaving the field of play in protest violates the spirit of the game. “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,” he said.
The late penalty decision came after a VAR review for a challenge on Morocco’s Brahim Diaz in injury time. Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, while some fans attempted to enter the field, leading to confrontations with security personnel. Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, however, stayed on the pitch and urged his teammates to return so the penalty could be taken.
The drama continued when Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving the attempt. Moments later, Morocco’s Pape Gueye scored a decisive goal in extra time to secure the championship.
Infantino congratulated Morocco on hosting a “fantastic tournament” and praised their performance, noting the significance of this success ahead of the country co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He also reminded all teams of the importance of respecting match officials and abiding by the Laws of the Game, stressing that football’s integrity depends on discipline both on and off the field.
“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated,” Infantino added. “Teams and players have a responsibility to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”
The incident has reignited discussions on discipline in football, with Infantino highlighting that players and teams must channel their frustrations within the rules of the game rather than resorting to protests that compromise the sport’s integrity.
Also Read: AFCON 2025: Senegal crowned champions
