FIFA condemns Senegal walk-off drama that rocked AFCON Final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned Senegal’s brief walk-off protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, warning that abandoning the field “in this manner” is unacceptable even amid high-stakes emotion.

The flashpoint came late in Sunday’s final  when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a VAR review, triggering chaotic scenes and a 14-minute delay as Senegalese players left the pitch before returning to complete the match.

Senegal ultimately regained composure, survived the penalty scare and went on to win the title in extra time.

In a statement on Monday, Infantino said football’s global body would not excuse the scenes that overshadowed the showpiece.

“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,” he said.

CAF also criticised the conduct around the incident, describing it as “unacceptable behaviour” by some players and officials and signalling that disciplinary processes could follow.

Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later framed the walk-off as a heat-of-the-moment reaction to a decision the players felt was harsh, but conceded the protest may carry consequences.

“Senegal stormed off in the heat of the moment,” Mendy said, adding that the team’s focus was ultimately on seeing the game through and celebrating the title.

The penalty itself became a defining subplot: Morocco’s Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka-style kick that was saved by Mendy, before Senegal struck in extra time to settle an end-to-end contest that had already produced several near-misses at both ends.

Beyond any sanctions, Infantino’s intervention sharpens the spotlight on player and official conduct at major tournaments, with FIFA and CAF both keen to protect the credibility of marquee matches.