Infantino Condemns Senegal Chaos After Dramatic AFCON 2025 Win |

Gianni Infantino has condemned the Senegalese team for walking off the pitch. Photo: Gallo Images

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has delivered a firm response to Senegal following the chaotic scenes that overshadowed their dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final victory over hosts Morocco.

Senegal were eventually crowned champions after a tense 1-0 win in extra time, with Pape Gueye’s strike in the 94th minute proving decisive.

Check Out: Senegal Silence Morocco To Clinch AFCON Title

However, the showpiece final in Rabat was marred by controversy late in regulation time, with emotions boiling over on and off the pitch.

In second-half stoppage time, Senegal appeared to have taken the lead, only for the goal to be ruled out after VAR determined that there had been unfair contact made on Achraf Hakimi during the build-up.

Moments later, the spotlight shifted to the opposite end when the Atlas Lions were awarded a highly contentious penalty, with Brahim Diaz adjudged to have been fouled by Moussa Niakhate.

The decision sparked outrage from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to walk off the pitch in protest. Only captain Sadio Mane remained on the field, and after several tense minutes, he managed to persuade his teammates to return. 

Senegal were ultimately handed a lifeline when Diaz failed to convert from the spot, his attempted Panenka saved by Edouard Mendy.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui later expressed his disappointment at the scenes that unfolded, suggesting the incidents cast a negative shadow over African football’s biggest occasion. While acknowledging Senegal’s achievement, the Atlas Lions tactician lamented what he described as an unhealthy atmosphere, stressing that such moments detract from the image of the continental game.

According to reports, the drama extended into the stands, with suggestions of clashes involving sections of Senegal supporters and police during the stoppage, further adding to the tense finale.

Infantino, while congratulating Senegal on lifting the AFCON trophy, did not mince his words in condemning the behaviour witnessed during the final.

Check Out: Senegal Coach Admits AFCON Final Mistake

“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino said in a statement per SportsBible.

“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, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. It is simply not right. 

“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.”

The Confederation of African Football has also moved swiftly to address the fallout. In its own statement, the governing body for African football confirmed that disciplinary action could follow.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal,” the statement read. 

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour, especially actions targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

“CAF is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to the competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

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