AFRICAN football’s governing body has condemned “unacceptable behaviour” by players and officials during Sunday’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations final and warned of disciplinary action against those responsible for scenes that overshadowed Senegal’s championship victory.
The Confederation of African Football said it is reviewing footage of the match between Senegal and Morocco, which was brought to a halt after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty decision.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino joined the condemnation, describing the incident as a stain on what should have been a celebration of African football.
“We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino said in a statement released Monday. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.”
The controversy erupted after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty for a shirt pull on Brahim Díaz inside the box. Senegal’s players, feeling aggrieved by the decision, protested vehemently before heading toward the tunnel, bringing the match to a standstill for nearly ten minutes.
Play eventually resumed with riot police still controlling attempts by some fans to enter the field. Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, attempting a panenka-style kick that goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved.
Senegal capitalised on the momentum shift, with Pape Gueye scoring in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory and the nation’s second AFCON title.
CAF issued a statement Monday emphasising that it “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.”
The organisation confirmed it will “refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Infantino stressed that respect for match officials was paramount. “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.”
The incident has cast a shadow over what was widely regarded as a successful tournament hosted by Morocco, raising questions about player conduct and the pressures of high-stakes continental competition.
CAF has not yet specified what sanctions may be imposed or when disciplinary proceedings will conclude.
