Morocco announced on Monday they would take legal action after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest before later winning a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal, who risk sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), eventually defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat on Sunday, but only after late drama in normal time when the home side were awarded a penalty.
Morocco announced on Monday they would take legal action after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest before later winning a chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final.
Senegal, who risk sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), eventually defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat on Sunday, but only after late drama in normal time when the home side were awarded a penalty.
The video review came eight minutes into stoppage time. In protest at what they saw as a wrong decision, Senegal's players, apparently at the behest of coach Pape Thiaw, walked off to the dressing room.
There were also clashes between fans and security forces in the stands. Senegal returned after 16 minutes and Morocco's Brahim Díaz then missed the penalty with a lamentable "Panenka."
Pape Gueye grabbed Senegal's 1-0 winner in extra-time but their victory was tainted despite the capital Dakar erupting into an all-night party.
"This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players' performance," the Moroccan football federation said in a statement as it confirmed legal action.
It said the referee's decision to award a penalty "was unanimously deemed correct by experts."
Coach says sorry
Senegal had also complained about unfair treatment compared to the hosts in the run-up to the final. Thiaw has apologized for his actions and former Liverpool star Sadio Mane has been widely praised for persuading his team-mates to go back out to play.
"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," a confederation statement said.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.
“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Infantino expects 'appropriate measures'
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he "strongly condemned" Senegal's behaviour.
The head of world football also said he expects appropriate sanctions.
"Unfortunately, we also 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," Infantino wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Senegal have qualified for June and July's World Cup in North America and their spot is unlikely to be jeopardized by Sunday's scenes. But Infantino wants CAF to step up.
"I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures," he wrote.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was upset with counterpart Thiaw and his own player Díaz for his bizarre penalty.
"The game we just had was shameful for Africa," he said.
Category: General Sports
