“It is simply not right”, FIFA president condemns chaotic AFCON final

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the chaotic scenes that marred Senegal’s dramatic victory over hosts Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the conduct of some players, officials and supporters as unacceptable.

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PREMIUM TIMES had reported that Sunday night’s final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat descended into disorder deep into stoppage time, moments before Senegal went on to secure a 1–0 extra-time victory through a stunning strike by Pape Gueye.

FIFA, in a strongly worded reaction sent to AFP, criticised the walkout by Senegalese players and the disturbances that followed a controversial refereeing decision.

“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,” Mr Infantino said.

“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 African football showpiece had been finely balanced at 0–0 late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review of an incident involving Senegal defender Moussa Diouf and Morocco forward Brahim Díaz.

The decision sparked furious protests from Senegal’s players and officials, many of whom walked off the pitch in protest, leaving the match temporarily suspended.

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Tensions also spilled into the stands, where some Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the field of play and clashed with security personnel.

Only Senegal captain and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch, urging his teammates to return and allow the match to continue.

The final was already heated with controversy, with Senegal aggrieved moments earlier by the disallowing of a goal at the other end for what appeared a soft foul in the build-up.

After almost 20 minutes of delay, play eventually resumed. Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, but his attempted ‘Panenka’ was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, a turning point that swung momentum decisively.

In extra time, Senegal capitalised on that reprieve as Pape Gueye struck a fierce long-range effort in the fourth minute to hand the Teranga Lions their second AFCON title, following their maiden triumph in 2021.

READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s Super Eagles, other AFCON hosts who reached the final but lost it all

Despite Senegal’s eventual success, Infantino stressed that respect for match officials and the Laws of the Game must always come first.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” the FIFA boss warned.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Mr Infantino also expressed concern about the wider impact of the scenes from Rabat, particularly with major global tournaments on the horizon.

“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.