The decision to abandon the field during the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty was awarded in favor of Morocco could bring problems for the current African champions Senegal.
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, condemned the action led by coach Pape Thiaw.
He demanded a firm response from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which has already issued a statement – see both official notes below.
According to the Spanish newspaper As, players and members of the coaching staff who left the field for a few minutes could face suspensions of four to six matches. These would be served during this year’s World Cup.
Senegal is in Group I of the tournament along with France, Norway, and the winner of the Iraq versus Bolivia or Suriname match.
Morocco, the host country of CAN 2025, which was held in January this year, also spoke out. They will file a protest with CAF and FIFA regarding this conduct.
🗣️ Brahim Díaz takes on the ‘responsibility’
The Real Madrid player was tasked with taking the penalty that could have ended Morocco’s 50-year drought in the CAN.
But the number 10 was unsuccessful. His chip shot was saved by Mendy.
📸 PAUL ELLIS – AFP or licensors
Extra time followed, Senegal scored, and won the tournament for the second time in its history.
Substituted during extra time, Brahim Díaz could not hide how shaken he was.
And, this Monday, he spoke out on social media, taking responsibility for the runner-up finish.
Pape Thiaw apologized 🇸🇳
The Senegal coach commented on his decision after the penalty was awarded:
“We acknowledge the referee’s mistakes. We shouldn’t have done that, but it’s done now and we apologize to football.“
This action led by Thiaw was condemned by Sadio Mané, one of those responsible for ensuring Senegal returned to the field.
“It would really be a shame and a sadness to see this kind of thing, this kind of situation, happen. Just imagine for a second, going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would send a negative image of our football; I think Africa today does not deserve that.“
📸 SEBASTIEN BOZON – AFP or licensors
CAF’s Position 👇🏽
The Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behavior of some players and officials during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 between Morocco and Senegal, in Rabat, last night.
CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during matches, especially those directed at the refereeing team or the match organizers.
CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the case to the competent bodies so that appropriate measures can be taken against those responsible.
👀 Infantino’s Position
“Congratulations to Senegal for being champions of Africa and winners of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco in Rabat. My best wishes to Abdoulaye Fall, President of the Senegalese Football Association, and to everyone involved in this success.
Well done also to Morocco for a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and as exceptional hosts. My sincere thanks to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his constant support of football, and to Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and member of the FIFA Council, for his leadership and commitment to the game.
Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behavior of some “fans,” as well as some Senegalese players and members of the coaching staff. It is unacceptable to leave the field in this manner, and likewise, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.
We must always respect the decisions made by the referees on and off the field. Teams must compete on the field and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
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. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I hope that the relevant disciplinary bodies of CAF take appropriate action.
CAN Titles Ranking 🏆
7️⃣ titles
🇪🇬 Egypt – 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010
5️⃣ titles
🇨🇲 Cameroon – 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017
4️⃣ titles
🇬🇭 Ghana – 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982
3️⃣ titles
🇳🇬 Nigeria – 1980, 1994, and 2013
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast – 1992, 2015, and 2023
2️⃣ titles
🇨🇩 Democratic Republic of Congo – 1962 and 1974
🇩🇿 Algeria – 1990 and 2019
🇸🇳 Senegal – 2021 and 2026
1️⃣ title
🇪🇹 Ethiopia – 1962
🇸🇩 Sudan – 1970
🇨🇬 Congo – 1972
🇲🇦 Morocco – 1976
🇿🇦 South Africa – 1996
🇹🇳 Tunisia – 2004
🇿🇲 Zambia – 2012
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
📸 FRANCK FIFE
