FIFA’s Infantino Demands Action Against Senegal Over AFCON Final Disturbance

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FIFA’s Infantino Demands Action Against Senegal Over AFCON Final Disturbance

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take decisive action following disturbances during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The match, held in Rabat, concluded with Senegal defeating Morocco 1-0 but was marred by significant controversy.

AFCON Final Controversy

The final took place on Sunday, where Senegal achieved a 1-0 victory over Morocco. The match escalated dramatically when Senegal’s players temporarily walked off the pitch. They protested after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time when El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalized for a foul on Brahim Diaz. In a VAR review, the referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, confirmed the penalty decision.

Key Incidents During the Match

Senegal’s disallowed goal: Ismaila Sarr’s late strike was ruled out due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck.
16-minute delay: Following the referee’s decision, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led his team off the field.
PENALTY Incident: Diaz’s attempted ‘Panenka’ penalty was saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal later won in extra-time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye. However, the aftermath of the match led to heated exchanges between the two teams’ benches.

FIFA and CAF Responses

Infantino expressed his concerns on social media, describing the scenes as “unacceptable.” He condemned the actions of certain players and officials for their behavior during the match. He emphasized that respect for match officials is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the sport.

“We witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino stated. “Violence cannot be tolerated. Teams must respect the game and set a positive example for fans.”

Investigation and Potential Legal Actions

In light of the disturbances, both FIFA and CAF are investigating the events that unfolded. CAF released a statement condemning the inappropriate behavior directed at officials and indicated that they would review footage from the match.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced intentions to explore legal options regarding Senegal’s actions. They acknowledged that Senegal’s withdrawal impacted the match’s normal flow.

Both football governing bodies aim to ensure such incidents do not reoccur in future matches. The goal is to uphold the standards of the sport and promote fair play at all levels.