Senegal face punishment after ‘shameful’ walk-off protest in chaotic Afcon final – latest

Fifa president Gianni Infantino condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

After congratulating Senegal on their title, Infantino said: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands - 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, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

"We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

“Football is something special, the world was watching, the world loves football and I think football is a pleasure so we have to give a good image for football,” Sadio Mane said explained.

“I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.

"I think it's really bad. Football should not stop for even ten minutes but what can we do? We have to accept that we did but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened happened.”

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (“CAF”) condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said it will review footage of the Afcon final and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it "condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials.”

The statement, which was released on Monday, continued: "CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty."

Things broke down not only on the pitch but in the stands as well last night. Fans scuffled with security amid the drama

"We're not going to talk in the heat of the moment. Things happened, but in the end what matters is that football won," Senegal goalkeeper Mendy said of the farcical scenes which saw Senegal coach Pape Thiaw order his players off the field and talisman Sadio Mane persuade them to return.

"Morocco has been waiting for this trophy for over 50 years. They had everything going for them, but we responded in our own way, and tonight we celebrate Senegal.

“We were determined to win this final, to bring the trophy home. Millions of Senegalese are happy, and we're going to enjoy this. We need to put this controversy behind us.”

“To do that it spoils everything Brahim Diaz has done well in this tournament. He is going to be devastated. This is going to be tough on him, for weeks, for months,” former Chelsea and Nigeria star Jon Obi Mike Mikel said on Channel 4.

“Again, it is a shame to see. Brahim Diaz has had a superb tournament. He scored five goals and he has been the star man. It is sad to see him do such a thing. Just put your foot through it.”

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the 15-minute delay before taking the penalty did not help Brahim Diaz - but was critical of the forward’s decision to try a ‘Panenka’ style penalty to win the Africa Cup of Nations final.

"But that doesn’t excuse Brahim for the way he hit the penalty. He hit it like that and we have to accept it. We were one minute from being African champions. That’s football. It’s often cruel. We missed what for some was the opportunity of a lifetime.”

With Diaz’s miss forcing the game to extra time, Thiaw's men, fuelled by a sense of injustice, regrouped and forced their way in front when Gueye surged forward and blasted a left-foot piledriver past Morocco goalkeeper Bono and in off the underside of the crossbar.

Bono later denied Cherif Ndiaye a second with a stunning double save and Gueye's contribution ultimately proved decisive.

Diaz’s ‘Panenka’ miss

Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, stepped up to the plate in the 24th minute of stoppage time, with further delays coming about as goalkeeper Mendy persistently came off his line to speak to the Real Madrid midfielder, perhaps in a bid to put him off.

When Diaz eventually took the spot-kick, he inexplicably tried a ‘Panenka’-style chip and has weak penalty sailed tamely into the arms of Mendy, passing up on the opportunity to deliver Morocco a first Afcon title in 50 years. The reaction of the Senegal players - hardly celebrating before turning and running up the other end - raised the eyebrows of viewers.

Diaz was later shown in tears after the match and was completely dejected as he received his golden boot award from Fifa president Gianni Infantino.