FIFA President Condemns Senegal Players’ Walkout During AFCON Final, Calls Violence Unacceptable

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has criticized the actions of some Senegal players after chaotic scenes marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, during which the eventual champions briefly left the pitch in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and members of the technical staff,” Infantino said in a statement to AFP.

The final, tied 0-0 late in normal time, was disrupted when VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. In protest, most Senegal players walked off the field, while clashes erupted between some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security elsewhere in the stadium.

Senegal eventually returned to play, with Diaz’s weak penalty comfortably saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The West Africans later secured victory in extra time thanks to a brilliant strike from Pape Gueye, silencing the 66,526-strong home crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and violence has no place in our sport,” Infantino added.

Despite the incident, Infantino praised Morocco for their organisation of the tournament, describing it as a positive step ahead of the country’s co-hosting of the 2030 men’s World Cup.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui, however, expressed concern over how the episode reflected on African football.

“The image we showed of African football was rather shameful,” he said. “Stopping the game for more than 10 minutes with the whole world watching is not classy.”