The FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of some Senegalese players following the chaotic scenes during the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, where the champions temporarily left the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.
Infantino stated in a message sent to the AFP: “We strongly condemn the behavior of some ‘fans’ and some Senegalese players and members of the coaching staff.”
The main match of the continent was interrupted in the dying moments of regular time with a 0-0 draw when a penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR review for a foul on Ibrahim Diaz. In response, most Senegalese players left the pitch, while clashes broke out between some Senegalese supporters and Moroccan security personnel in other areas within the stadium.
The Senegalese eventually returned to the field, where goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved a weak penalty from Diaz. The West Africans then secured victory in extra time with a goal from Bayo Gaye, which silenced the local crowd of 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Infantino said: “It is unacceptable to leave the field in this manner, and violence has no place in our sport.”
Despite the controversy, Infantino praised Morocco for organizing the tournament, describing it as a positive step as the country prepares to host the 2030 Men’s World Cup jointly.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui expressed concern about the global image of African football following the incident. He said: “The image we presented of African football was somewhat disgraceful. Stopping the match for more than 10 minutes in front of the whole world is not classy.”
