FIFA confirm Senegal measures as AFCON punishment decision begins | Football | Sport

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to address the ‘ugly scenes’ that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, amid reports that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been suspended. The AFCON final was plunged into disarray when Thiaw instructed his team to leave the pitch in protest after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the hosts.

West Ham’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was deemed to have fouled Brahim Diaz, leading referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to consult VAR before awarding the penalty. All of Senegal’s players, bar Liverpool star Sadio Mane and the coaching staff, retreated down the tunnel in protest. Following an extended delay, they returned 17 minutes later.

However, Morocco’s opportunity for a dramatic conclusion was squandered as Real Madrid forward Diaz attempted a Panenka, which ex-Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy easily saved. Despite the controversy, Senegal triumphed in extra time, leaving a lingering sense of what could have been.

Infantino wrote: “We 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. 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. 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 expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

CAF released a statement on Monday morning denouncing what it termed as the ‘unacceptable behaviour’ of certain players and officials during the match. It stated: “The African Football Confederation (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 between Morocco and Senegal, which took place last night in Rabat.

“The CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, especially those aimed at the refereeing team or match organisers. The CAF will examine all the images and submit the case to the competent authorities so that appropriate action is taken against those convicted.”

Senegal’s coach Walid Regragui later confessed that he ‘shouldn’t’ have instructed his players to abandon the pitch, acknowledging that their actions do not ‘honour Africa. He expressed: “We didn’t agree. I don’t want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football.

“After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] – you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”