The Africa Cup of Nations final descended into controversy when Morocco were awarded a contentious stoppage‑time penalty, prompting the Senegal players to walk off the pitch in protest
Gianni Infantino has called for appropriate manners to be taken after AFCON final chaos (Image: PA)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action in response to the ‘ugly scenes’ that unfolded during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, amid claims that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended. The AFCON final descended into chaos late on when Thiaw ordered his players walked off the pitch in protest after the hosts were awarded a stoppage‑time penalty.
West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was judged to have fouled Brahim Diaz, prompting referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala to consult VAR before pointing to the spot. All of Senegal’s players, except Liverpool icon Sadio Mane and the coaching staff headed back down the tunnel in defiance.
After a lengthy delay, they eventually re-emerged 17 minutes later. Morocco’s chance for a dramatic finish slipped away, though, as the Real Madrid forward attempted a Panenka that former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy read with ease. Senegal went on to win in extra time, albeit with a lingering sense of what might have been.
READ MORE: Edouard Mendy answers claim Brahim Diaz missed AFCON final Panenka penalty on purposeREAD MORE: Senegal boss ‘regrets’ ordering players off the pitch as AFCON rival makes huge accusation
In the early hours of Monday morning, Infantino took to his personal Instagram account to comment on the incident that saw Senegal briefly refuse to continue after a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco. Reports in Africa claimed that CAF launched a disciplinary procedure against Thiaw, but it’s now suggested he has been suspended.
Infantino wrote: “We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands. 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.
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“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk. 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.
“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.”
CAF issued a statement on Monday morning condemning what it described as the ‘unacceptable behaviour’ of certain players and officials during the match.
Senegal supporters clash with security services after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco(Image: AP)
It read: “The African Football Confederation (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behavior of some players and officials during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 between Morocco and Senegal, which took place last night in Rabat.
“The CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, especially those aimed at the refereeing team or match organisers. The CAF will examine all the images and submit the case to the competent authorities so that appropriate action is taken against those convicted.”
Senegal coach Walid Regragui later admitted that he ‘shouldn’t’ have ordered his players to leave the pitch and that their actions do not ‘honour Africa.’
Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw(Image: )
He said: “We didn’t agree. I don’t want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football.
“After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] – you can react in the heat of the moment.
“We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
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