FIFA President Infantino condemns African champions Senegal
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) champion Senegal's players and technical staff for leaving the pitch and objecting to the penalty awarded to Morocco in the final.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement: "Unfortunately, we also saw unacceptable scenes on the pitch and in the stands. We strongly condemn the behavior of some 'fans' as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff. Leaving the pitch in this way is unacceptable and violence is not tolerated in our sport, it is absolutely not right."
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"We must always respect the decisions of the match referees on and off the field. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the rules of the game. Anything less jeopardizes the essence of football."
Calling on players and teams to act responsibly, Infantino said:
"Teams and players have a responsibility to set the right example for the fans in the stadiums and the millions of people watching from around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterate that they have no place in football and I expect the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF to take appropriate action."
Congratulating champions Senegal and hosts Morocco, Infantino said: "I would like to congratulate Senegal, the African champions, on winning the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat. I send my best wishes to Abdoulaye Fall, President of the Senegalese Football Federation, and to everyone who contributed to this success. I would also like to congratulate Morocco, who had a great tournament with both second place and outstanding hosting."
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The 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) was won by Senegal, who defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. In the 90+5th minute of the match, Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Senegalese Malick Diouf's tackle on Moroccan player Brahim Diaz in the penalty area.
The game was stopped for a long time as Senegalese players objected to the penalty decision. Morocco's Brahim Diaz's "Panenka" penalty at 90+24 was saved by Edouard Mendy and the match went into extra time. In the 94th minute of the extra time, Senegal took a 1-0 lead with Pape Gueye's goal. When there were no more goals in the match, Senegal won the 35th African Cup of Nations.
