Infantino Condemns Senegal Players Over AFCON Final Protest
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the actions of some Senegal players following “unacceptable scenes” that marred the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday.
Senegal went on to secure victory in the highly charged encounter, but celebrations were overshadowed after several players walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco during the match. The incident caused a brief disruption to the game and sparked widespread reactions across the football community.
In a statement, Infantino described the conduct as unacceptable, stressing that while emotions often run high in major finals, players must respect match officials and the rules of the game at all times. He emphasized that protests of such nature have no place in football, especially on a stage as important as a continental final.
“Football must always be played in the spirit of respect and fair play,” Infantino said, adding that disagreements with refereeing decisions should be handled through the proper channels.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce whether disciplinary action will be taken over the incident. Meanwhile, Senegal’s historic triumph remains a significant achievement, even as debate continues over the dramatic scenes that accompanied their AFCON victory.
The final has since reignited discussions about officiating, player discipline, and the need to uphold sportsmanship during high-stakes matches.
