FIFA’s Gianni Infantino calls for action against Senegal after ‘ugly scenes’ mar AFCON win

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on CAF, the governing body of African football, to take “appropriate measures” over the “ugly scenes” during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which saw Senegal beat Morocco 1-0.

CAF released a statement on Monday morning “condemning the unacceptable behaviour of certain players and officials” during the match in Rabat and confirming it was investigating.

The final was overshadowed when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch before the final whistle and temporarily refused to play on after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) stated on Monday afternoon it intended to explore legal avenues regarding Senegal’s temporary withdrawal.

Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have fouled Brahim Diaz during a grapple at a Morocco corner, with referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo awarding a penalty following a VAR check.

Moments earlier, Senegal had been denied a stoppage-time goal when Ismaila Sarr’s effort was disallowed because Abdoulaye Seck was deemed to have fouled Achraf Hakimi in the build-up. As Ngambo had blown his whistle before the ball crossed the line, the goal could not be referred to the VAR.

Following the decisions, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ushered his team off the field, leading to a 16-minute delay. Upon their return, Diaz’s penalty – an attempted ‘Panenka’ – was saved by Edouard Mendy. The FRMF later argued the Senegal team’s actions and the subsequent delay had “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance”.

Senegal went on to win the game in extra-time thanks to Pape Gueye’s strike.

On Monday morning, FIFA president Infantino called on CAF to take action following Senegal’s temporary refusal to play.

“We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino said in a post on his personal Instagram page. “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.”

A statement from CAF read: “CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour during matches, particularly that directed at the refereeing team or match organisers.

“CAF is examining all the images and will submit the case to the competent authorities so that appropriate measures can be taken against those found guilty.”

An FMRF statement read: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will resort to legal procedures with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to address the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the final against the Moroccan national team and the events that ensued. The events following the referee’s decision to award a penalty, which was unanimously agreed upon by experts, significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance.

“On another note, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to all Moroccan fans who have remained loyal to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all of the national team’s matches and other games.”

The Morocco penalty award prompted an angry confrontation between both teams’ benches, with Senegal boss Thiaw, 44, advising his team to leave the pitch and go back to the dressing room in protest.

Sadio Mane, the former Liverpool forward, was the only Senegal player to remain on the pitch while his team-mates went to the changing rooms.

Click here to read article