AFCON final: FIFA President slams Senegal over pitch walkout

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has slammed “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” that followed their walkout during Sunday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Infantino said in a statement sent to AFP, “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.

“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 AFCON final was disrupted deep into injury time with the score at 0-0 when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

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Most Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, while Senegal’s former Liverpool forward, Sadio Mane, stayed on and appealed to his teammates to return for the kick.

Senegal players had earlier protested after a goal was disallowed for a foul at the other end of the pitch.

Trouble also broke out in the stands as some Senegal supporters attempted to enter the field of play and clashed with security personnel.

The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before Diaz took the penalty, which was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye later scored in the fourth minute of extra time to give Senegal a 1-0 victory.

Infantino, while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” ahead of their role as co-hosts of the men’s 2030 World Cup, said teams must respect match officials’ decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play.

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

Infantino said the scenes from the final sent the wrong message to fans worldwide.

“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.”