FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the actions of several Senegal players and members of the technical staff following chaotic scenes during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
In a statement released to AFP, Infantino described the walk-off as “unacceptable,” criticising both some Senegalese players and supporters for leaving the field of play in protest. “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 in this manner,” he said.
The controversy erupted in the 98th minute when referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor on the advice of VAR, ruling that defender El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Brahim Diaz.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, still furious over an earlier decision to disallow a Senegal goal, led his players off the pitch in protest. Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane remained on the field, attempting to persuade his teammates to return and see out the match.
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After a delay of approximately 17 minutes, the Senegal players eventually came back onto the pitch. Morocco’s Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, stepped up to take the penalty but saw his soft Panenka attempt comfortably saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The referee then immediately signalled the end of regulation time.
In extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute, securing Morocco’s second AFCON title in five years and bringing a dramatic and controversial final to a close.
