AFCON 2025 final: FIFA, CAF condemn players’ walk-off and crowd trouble

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) have strongly condemned the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.

The showpiece event was marred deep into stoppage time of regulation when several Senegalese players and members of the technical bench walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, with the score level at 0-0.

In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino described the behaviour of some players, officials and supporters as “unacceptable”, insisting such actions have no place in football.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

The FIFA president stressed that respect for match officials is fundamental to preserving the integrity of the game.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he added.

“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 match was delayed for almost 20 minutes following unrest in the stands, as some Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the field of play and clashed with security personnel.

Senegal captain Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and was seen urging his teammates to return so the game could continue.

After play resumed, Diaz’s attempted panenka penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy before Pape Gueye scored a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory for Senegal.

CAF, in a separate statement, also condemned the conduct during the final, describing it as unacceptable. The continental body confirmed it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

Despite the controversy, Infantino congratulated Morocco for hosting what he described as a “fantastic tournament”, while warning that the scenes witnessed sent the wrong message to fans across Africa and around the world.