CASABLANCA – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a scathing condemnation of the “unacceptable scenes” that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco amidst pitch protests and spectator violence.

While Senegal ultimately lifted the trophy, the match will be remembered for a chaotic period of injury time that saw the majority of the Senegalese squad walk off the pitch in protest.

A Final Defined by Friction

The tension reached a breaking point deep into second-half injury time with the score deadlocked at 0-0. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty for a challenge on Brahim Diaz a decision that came just minutes after Senegal had a goal of their own disallowed for what appeared to be a marginal foul.

The decision triggered an exodus. Most Senegalese players and technical staff abandoned the field of play, leaving former Liverpool star Sadio Mane as one of the few to remain. Mane was seen visibly pleading with his teammates to return and complete the match.

Infantino: “The Essence of Football at Risk”

In a statement sent to AFP, President Infantino did not hold back his disappointment regarding the conduct of the newly-crowned champions and the fans in attendance.

“We strongly condemn the behavior of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino stated. “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.”

Infantino emphasized that the integrity of the game depends on the acceptance of official rulings. “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 FIFA chief also extended congratulations to Morocco for hosting what he termed a “fantastic tournament,” a timely endorsement as the nation prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Chaos in the Stands and a “Panenka” Failure

As the players remained off the pitch, the situation escalated in the stands. Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the field, leading to violent altercations with security personnel.

The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before order was restored. When play finally resumed:

• The Penalty: Morocco’s Brahim Diaz attempted a “Panenka” style spot-kick, but the effort lacked power and was easily gathered by Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy.
• The Decider: Buoyed by the save, Senegal found their breakthrough in the fourth minute of extra time via a clinical strike from Pape Gueye.

The Aftermath

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already vowed to launch a full investigation into the conduct of the Senegalese delegation and the security breaches at the stadium.

Infantino’s stern warning comes at a sensitive time for FIFA, as the organization prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America. “The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated,” he concluded, noting that he expects “appropriate measures” to be taken by CAF’s disciplinary bodies.