SFIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday that it was “unacceptable” that Enegal left the field in protest of a refereeing decision before winning the African Cup of Nations title amid shocking chaos.
Infantino criticized the behavior of Senegal’s coaches, players and some fans at the end of regulation time against hosts Morocco, which was surprising for an international final.
“The ugly scenes witnessed (Sunday) must be condemned and should never be repeated,” the FIFA leader posted on his Instagram account after watching the match in Rabat.
“We hope that the relevant disciplinary body of CAF (Confederation of African Football) will take appropriate action,” Infantino wrote.
CAF also said in a later statement that the incident was unacceptable, saying: “We are reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to the competent authorities so that appropriate action can be taken against those found guilty.”
This legal recourse is not enough for the Moroccan Football Federation, which made the unusual request on Monday after losing in its home tournament four years before co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
The Moroccan federation has announced that it will take legal action against CAF and FIFA after Senegalese players left the field in protest at a 15-minute stoppage in a match they won 1-0 in extra time.
Senegal coach Pape Thiau is facing severe sanctions for forcing his players to return to their locker room after Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. That spot-kick would ultimately fail under strange circumstances.
World Cup ban?
It is unclear whether Thiau’s suspension will only apply to future African tournaments or the FIFA World Cup in North America. Senegal will open their World Cup match against France on June 16th at MetLife Stadium near New York, before playing Norway six days later.
The Senegalese team and fans were furious after what would have been the title-clinching goal was ruled out after the referee called for a foul that made the goal invalid early in stoppage time after the match was tied 0-0.
Minutes later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a video review determined that star forward Brahim Diaz was pulled to the ground by a Senegalese defender while receiving a corner kick.
The controversial decision further fueled feelings among Morocco’s opponents that their team was getting a favorable decision in a tournament that has become a highlight for FIFA in co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Coach Thiau urged his players to leave the field to prevent Diaz from taking the penalty that could have clinched the title. Senegalese fans clashed with police on the other side of the stadium.
“Leaving the field in this manner is unacceptable, and similarly, violence is unacceptable in our sport. It is simply not right,” Infantino wrote.
FIFA demands respect for its rules
The FIFA president added: “We must always respect the decisions taken by match officials on and off the field.” “Teams must compete on the pitch within the rules of the game, because failing to do so puts the very essence of football at risk.”
Morocco coach Walid Reglagui later described the incident as a “shameful” image of African football for the rest of the world.
When the players returned, in the 24th minute of remarkable stoppage time, Dias took the worst penalty in football history.
weak panenka
The Real Madrid forward’s late chip shot (known as a panenka after the Czech player who won the European title against West Germany 50 years ago) was weak, low and easily saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Douard Mendy.
Diaz posted an apology to Moroccan fans on social media on Monday.
The match went into extra time, and Senegal won in the 4th minute thanks to a powerful shot from Pape Gueye.
“I wish the President of the Senegalese Football Association, Abdoulaye Fall, and all those involved in this success the best of luck,” Infantino wrote.
“It’s also the responsibility of the team and the players to act responsibly and set the right example for the fans in the stadium and the millions of people watching around the world,” he said.
morocco legal tender
The Moroccan Football Federation, led by one of world football’s most influential officials, CAF First Vice-President and FIFA council member Fawzi Lekujar, has asked the soccer body to issue a ruling on the Senegal international’s sending off and the events surrounding it.
“This situation is having a significant impact on the normal flow of matches and the performance of our players,” the federation said.
Under sports law, referee decisions on the field generally stand and cannot be re-litigated later.
