FIFA President Gianni Infantino blasted “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scene” that clouded their triumph in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, when they walked off the field in protest of a penalty granted to Morocco.
“We strongly condemn the actions of some ‘supporters,’ as well as Senegalese players and technical personnel. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino told AFP.
“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 pinnacle event was tarnished when the majority of Senegalese players walked off the pitch after, deep into injury time of regular play, with the game tied at 0-0, Morocco was granted a penalty kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and pushed his teammates to return for the penalty.
They were already enraged from having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes before.
Meanwhile, violence broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans attempted to approach the field of play and got into a confrontation with security.
The game was delayed for about 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ shot was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye then scored a fantastic goal in the fourth minute of extra time, giving his team a 1-0 victory.
Infantino, while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts”—a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup—said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.
“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
Infantino, who will be praying for no similar incidents in this year’s World Cup finals, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, said images like those on Sunday conveyed the wrong message to fans all around the world.
“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.
“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football, and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”
