Senegal’s dramatic walk-off protest during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco on Sunday has drawn sharp criticism from FIFA, following chaotic scenes that disrupted the high-profile match.
The controversy erupted in second-half stoppage time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a prolonged VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Díaz by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. Díaz spearheaded intense protests for the spot kick, with members of the Moroccan bench also voicing their support before the referee ruled in favour of the Atlas Lions.
The decision sparked fury among Senegal’s players and officials, leading to confrontations on the pitch and clashes in the stands. Play was halted for approximately 20 minutes before Senegal’s players walked off the field in protest.
Reacting to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the actions of the Senegal team and their supporters, describing the scenes as unacceptable.
“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,” Infantino said in a statement sent to AFP.
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, also criticised the disruption, expressing concern over the image projected to a global audience.
“The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy,” Regragui said.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later apologised for his team’s conduct after the match. Infantino, who was present at the stadium during the final, reiterated his condemnation hours later as calls grew for disciplinary action.
