Infantino describes Senegal’s behaviour as “ugly scenes” during AFCON 2025 final

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his dissatisfaction with the incidents that occurred during the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, describing them as “ugly scenes.”

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in a final that extended to extra time at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The AFCON 2025 final witnessed Senegal’s players leaving the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in the 90+6 minute, following a decision in favor of Brahim Díaz. After a series of chaotic scenes inside the stadium, Senegal returned to the field nearly 18 minutes later. Díaz then missed the penalty against goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, attempting a Panenka, before the match proceeded to extra time.

Infantino addressed the events through a post on his official Instagram account, congratulating Senegal on being crowned champions of Africa and extending his best wishes to Abdoulaye Fall, President of the Senegalese Football Association, and everyone involved in the achievement. He also praised Morocco for a fantastic tournament as runners-up and exceptional hosts, thanking King Mohammed VI for his continuous support of football, as well as Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and FIFA Council member, for his leadership and commitment.

However, Infantino strongly condemned the behavior witnessed during the final, stating that the scenes on the field and in the stands were unacceptable. He criticized the actions of some supporters as well as certain Senegalese players and technical staff members, stressing that leaving the field of play in such a manner is unacceptable and that violence has no place in football.

The FIFA President emphasized the importance of respecting match officials’ decisions on and off the pitch and insisted that teams must compete within the Laws of the Game. He added that teams and players carry responsibility to act properly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching worldwide, calling on CAF’s disciplinary bodies to take the appropriate measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

 

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Senegal claimed their second AFCON title after their first triumph in 2021, while Morocco’s only Africa Cup of Nations title remains the 1976 edition.

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