FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned Senegal’s decision to temporarily walk off the pitch during the AFCON 2025 final, labeling the protest and subsequent fan unrest as “unacceptable” violations of the laws of the game.
In a stern rebuke of the events surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially condemned the actions of the Senegalese national team and their supporters following a controversial officiating decision in their 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco.
The friction began when Senegal players staged a nearly 20-minute walkout in protest of a VAR-awarded penalty given to Morocco for a foul on Brahim Diaz, a delay that was accompanied by volatile scenes in the stands where fans reportedly threatened the stadium’s safety.
Addressing the incident via social media, the 55-year-old football administrator emphasized that such defiance undermines the integrity of the sport, stating,
“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.”
Despite the standoff, Senegal eventually returned to the pitch, where they ultimately secured their second AFCON title after Diaz missed the resulting penalty and Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal.
However, the triumph remains clouded by impending sanctions, as Infantino reinforced the necessity of adhering to official rulings, noting, “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.”
He concluded by reiterating that “Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk,” signaling that CAF will take formal disciplinary action against the Senegalese contingent for the breach of protocol.