“An Unacceptable Act” – FIFA President Condemns Senegal Protest at AFCON Final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the conduct of the Senegal national team following a dramatic and controversial incident during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against host nation Morocco in Rabat.
The bizarre episode unfolded late in the game when Senegalese players attempted to boycott the match after Morocco were awarded a penalty. The Teranga Lions believed they had been unfairly treated by the officiating team, moments after a Senegal goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.
Tensions reached boiling point when Malick Diouf was penalised for pulling down Brahim Díaz inside the box, prompting Senegal’s players to walk off the pitch in protest and return to the dressing room. The match was halted for nearly 15 minutes before captain Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to resume play.
When the game eventually restarted, Brahim Díaz failed to convert the penalty, with his attempted panenka comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Despite the controversy, Senegal regrouped and went on to claim victory in extra time. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-0 win, handing the Teranga Lions their second AFCON title.
In reaction to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued a strong statement condemning Senegal’s actions.
“The deplorable scenes we witnessed must be condemned and must never happen again,” Infantino said. “It is inadmissible to leave the pitch in this manner. Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is quite simply unacceptable.
“We must always respect the decisions made by referees, both on and off the pitch. Teams must play in accordance with the Laws of the Game, as any other behaviour endangers the very essence of football.”
The incident is expected to be reviewed by football’s governing body, CAF, with potential disciplinary consequences looming despite Senegal’s historic triumph.