Infantino Urges Action Against Senegal After ‘Ugly Scenes’ in AFCON Victory

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take decisive action following troubling incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where Senegal emerged victorious over Morocco 1-0.

Controversial AFCON Final

The match, held in Rabat, became contentious when Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest. This occurred after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty, with the score still at 0-0. The ruling was made after a VAR review indicated a foul by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

Reaction from CAF and Other Authorities

• CAF condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of certain players and officials.
• In response to the incidents, CAF is actively investigating the events surrounding the match.
• The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) plans to pursue legal actions concerning Senegal’s withdrawal from the game.

During the match, Senegal had a goal disallowed due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck. Following this decision, coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the pitch for a 16-minute delay. When they returned, Diaz’s penalty kick was saved by Senegal’s Edouard Mendy.

Consequences and Future Actions

Infantino expressed strong disapproval of the conduct displayed during the match. He stated on his Instagram, “We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands.” He emphasized the importance of respecting referees’ decisions and urged players to set a positive example for fans.

CAF reiterated its commitment to addressing inappropriate behavior, pledging to thoroughly review the match footage. Actions against individuals found guilty of misconduct are expected to follow.

Statements from Involved Parties

• Infantino called for appropriate measures from CAF to ensure accountability.
• The FRMF expressed gratitude to Moroccan fans for their overwhelming support throughout the tournament.

Ultimately, despite the upheaval, Senegal triumphed in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. Moving forward, the scrutiny over player conduct and match officiating continues to be a focal point for CAF and FIFA.