AFCON 2025: FIFA President Gianni Infantino Reacts To Morocco Vs Senegal Chaotic Final

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned what he described as “unacceptable scenes” that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, after Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco late in the game.

In a statement issued earlier today, January 19, the FIFA president condemned the actions of players, officials and supporters following the dramatic incident.

“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,” 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.”

Naija News reports that the AFCON final was thrown into disarray deep into injury time with the match level at 0-0, when Morocco were awarded a spot-kick after a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Díaz.

The decision sparked fury among Senegal’s players, many of whom left the pitch in protest. Tensions had already been high after a Senegal goal at the other end was ruled out minutes earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul.

Amid the chaos, former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané stood his ground, remaining on the field and urging his teammates to return so the match could continue.

Trouble also spilt into the stands, where some Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch and clashed with security personnel, further delaying proceedings.

After over 10 minutes of stoppage, Díaz finally stepped up to take the penalty, but his weak Panenka effort was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The drama did not end there. In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye struck a stunning goal to seal a 1-0 victory and hand Senegal the AFCON title.

Despite the controversy, Infantino praised Morocco’s role in the tournament, describing it as “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts”, a significant boost as the country prepares to co-host the men’s 2030 World Cup.

He was, however, firm that teams must respect officiating 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 also warned that the scenes sent the wrong message to fans around the world, particularly with the next World Cup finals approaching in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“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.”