The Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco on Sunday ended in celebration for one team and controversy for the tournament as a whole.
Both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have publicly condemned the scenes of disorder that unfolded during the match, with CAF promising disciplinary action against those responsible.
The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was level at 0-0 when a controversial penalty decision sparked a dramatic sequence of events.
Referee Jean Jacques Mdala, after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR), awarded a penalty to Morocco following a challenge on striker Brahim Diaz.
In response, most of the Senegal players left the pitch in protest, leaving only a handful, including former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, behind.
Chaos extended into the stands, where confrontations erupted between some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.
Video footage showed supporters throwing objects, and security officers attempting to contain the situation, prompting fears that the situation could escalate further.
CAF condemned the actions of both players and officials, while emphasising that no team was being singled out at this stage.
“We strongly denounce inappropriate conduct during matches, particularly actions aimed at referees or tournament officials,” a CAF spokesperson said.
The governing body confirmed it was reviewing footage from multiple angles and would forward its findings to disciplinary committees for further action.
After several minutes of tension, Senegal players returned to the pitch following intervention by Sadio Mane, and the match continued.
In extra time, midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, delivering a dramatic win for Senegal and securing their second AFCON title in front of more than 66,500 spectators.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also weighed in on the situation, condemning both the walk-off and the fan disturbances.
“The behaviour displayed by players and supporters is unacceptable.
Leaving the field in protest undermined the spirit of football, and violence has no place in our game,” Infantino said.
He praised Morocco for hosting a well-organised tournament and warned that all teams must respect refereeing decisions to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, acknowledged that asking his players to leave the pitch was a mistake.
Speaking to international media, Thiaw explained, “In the heat of the moment, I reacted poorly.
”We accept the referee’s decisions and apologise for the disruption.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui expressed disappointment about the image the incident painted of African football.
“Stopping the game for over ten minutes in front of the world was damaging. African football deserves better representation,” he said.
CAF confirmed that its disciplinary process was ongoing, with sanctions expected once the review concludes.
Both teams are cooperating with the investigation.
The match would be remembered not only for Senegal’s thrilling victory but also for the extraordinary circumstances that highlighted both the passion and volatility of African football on its biggest stage.
