FIFA President Gianni Infantino has criticised “some Senegal players” over what he described as “unacceptable scenes” that overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, after they walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.
“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 in a statement sent to AFP.
“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 continent’s flagship football tournament was blemished late in the final when most Senegal players left the pitch deep into stoppage time with the score tied at 0-0, after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and appealed to his teammates to return so the penalty could be taken.
The Senegal camp was already incensed after having a goal ruled out moments earlier for what appeared to be a soft foul.
Meanwhile, unrest erupted in the stands as some Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch and clashed with security officials.
The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before Diaz eventually stepped up to take the spot-kick. His attempted ‘panenka’ was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye later struck a fine goal in the fourth minute of extra time, sealing a 1-0 victory for Senegal.
Congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — an encouraging sign ahead of their role as co-hosts of the men’s 2030 World Cup — Infantino stressed the need for teams to 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, who hopes to avoid similar incidents at this year’s World Cup finals co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said the scenes from Sunday sent the wrong signal 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.”