FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to punish the culprits involved in the shenanigans that marred the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco concluded on Sunday, but it was not without drama.
Despite the world-class infrastructure apparent throughout the tournament, many fans felt that the officiating in matches involving Morocco was biased.
The Moroccans did not help their own cause, as they resorted to dark arts in both the build-up to the final and during the game itself.
The referee for the night, Jean-Jacques Ndala, had a decent performance until the closing stages of the match, when a poor decision cost Senegal a goal.
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Then, just a few minutes later, he awarded the Atlas Lions a contentious penalty after a VAR review.
Following that decision, the game descended into chaos. Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his Senegalese players to stop playing due to his frustration with the officiating.
Consequently, some of the players walked off the pitch and headed toward the dressing room.
Meanwhile, violence also broke out in the stands between Senegalese and Moroccan supporters.The situation appeared headed for disaster.
When will CAF address the dirty antics of the north Africans?
From fam to player treatment. We saw it all unfold.
Just because Senegal won doesn't mean we forgot what happened! pic.twitter.com/rs4InyD3JS
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) January 19, 2026
However, order was restored almost 20 minutes later, thanks largely to Senegal captain Sadio Mané, who motivated his teammates to return to the pitch and finish the game.
Fortunately for the Teranga Lions, Edouard Mendy saved the penalty. Then, in extra time, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal — the perfect climax for the newly crowned champions.
FIFA Kicks Senegal After AFCON 2025 Incident?
Following the incidents during the match, CAF released a circular stating they would investigate the matter and come down heavily on the culprits.
In the meantime, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Sunday, expressed his disappointment with the events.
He stressed that Senegal should not have walked off the pitch, regardless of the circumstances. He also noted that everyone involved in the violence that ensued on Sunday night must be punished, emphasizing that such scenes must never be repeated.
“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.”
As it is, Senegal risk a heavy fine and bans for the players, staff and coach Pape Thiaw. However, it is also imperative that Morocco get their own punishment for the behavior of their staff and fans during the AFCON.
If the hosts escape without any punishment, it will set a bad precedence for future hosts of the AFCON.
