FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticized “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” that marred their triumph in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, when they walked off the pitch in protest over 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,” said Infantino 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 African football pinnacle event was tarnished by the majority of Senegalese players walked off the pitch after, deep into injury time of regular play, with the game tied at 0-0, Morocco was granted a penalty kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Sadio Mane, Senegal’s former Liverpool star, remained on the pitch and pushed his teammates to return for the penalty.
They were already enraged from having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes before.
Meanwhile, violence broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans attempted to approach the field of play and got into a confrontation with security.
The game was delayed for about 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ shot was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Pape Gueye then scored a fantastic goal in the fourth minute of extra time, giving his team a 1-0 victory.
“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 congratulated Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts”—a boost ahead of their co-hosting of the men’s 2030 World Cup—and stated that teams must follow the decisions of match officials.
“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.”
