FIFA Issue Statement on Senegal Amid Claims AFCON Title Could Be Stripped

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a statement following the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco.

Senegal won the final 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye's superb 94th-minute strike into the top right corner securing the AFCON title for his nation.

In second half stoppage time, Senegal had a goal ruled out for what appeared to be minimal contact on Morocco's Achraf Hakimi in the build-up.

Morocco then received a controversial penalty after Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled by West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Incensed at the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw then ordered his players to leave the pitch, with only Sadio Mane choosing to remain.

After around 16 minutes, Mane was able to convince his team-mates to return for Morocco's penalty.

They were then offered a lifeline when Diaz's attempted Panenka penalty was hit straight into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The walk-off protest by Senegal has not gone down well with footballing authorities, however, and they are likely to face disciplinary sanctions.

CAF regulations state that if a team 'refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered loser'.

However, there is no indication that Senegal will be stripped of the title, nor that the rule even applies given that they returned to the pitch and completed the match.

In addition, there was also crowd trouble, with a small section of Senegal supporters involved in brawls with police during the stoppage.

Both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have released statements condemning both the players and officials, and the crowd involved in the brawls.

After congratulating Senegal on their 2025 AFCON victory, Infantino stated: "We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands - 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, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

"We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk."

CAF, meanwhile, have stated: "The Confederation Africaine de Football ("CAF") condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.

"CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.

"CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty."

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui furiously claimed that the actions of his counterpart gave a 'shameful' image of Africa, with Thiaw himself admitting that he made the wrong decision at the time.

The Senegal head coach walked into his post-match press conference to jeers from journalists, with the final having been held in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.

The drama of the Africa Cup of Nations final continued after the final whistle, with Moroccan journalists walking out of Senegal boss Pape Thiaw’s press conference. 🫣 pic.twitter.com/rRLk2Lg2Eg

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 19, 2026

"We did not agree with the [penalty] decision," he subsequently told beIN Sports. "That is all, and I do not want to go back over what happened in this match.

"After reflecting, I really did not like the fact that I told my players to leave the pitch. I apologise to football. I brought them back.

"Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. We asked ourselves whether that penalty could have been given if our goal before that had been allowed.

"But now we accept the referee's mistakes, that can happen. We should not have done it, but it is already done. We apologise."