AFCON 2025: Senegal’s Final Walk-Off Sparks Fury From Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino criticized several Senegalese players for their “unacceptable” behavior during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

More Details

He noted that their decision to leave the pitch in protest of a penalty given to Morocco cast a shadow over their eventual win.

“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,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.

“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.”

The climax of African football’s premier tournament was overshadowed by controversy when the Senegal squad staged a walk-off late in stoppage time. With the score deadlocked at 0-0, a VAR review resulted in a penalty for Morocco following a foul on Brahim Diaz.

The Senegalese players, already incensed after seeing their own potential winning goal overturned for a questionable foul moments earlier, refused to continue. However, former Liverpool standout Sadio Mane stayed on the field, attempting to persuade his teammates to return and face the spot-kick.

Read Also – Noah Lyles: America’s Ultimate Showman

Disorder erupted in the stands when Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch, leading to clashes with security. This chaos caused a nearly 20-minute delay before Diaz finally took his penalty—an underwhelming “panenka” easily stopped by Edouard Mendy.

Senegal eventually secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a stunning strike from Pape Gueye in the fourth minute of stoppage time. While Gianni Infantino praised Morocco for their successful hosting and second-place finish, he emphasized that teams must respect refereeing decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube