RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Senegal leaves the field in protest of referee’s decision before winning Africa Cup of Nations in shocking confusion FIFA president: ‘Unacceptable’ Gianni Infantino said Monday.
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.
Senegal coach Pape Thiau faces severe sanctions for leading his players to the locker room when Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time and the game was suspended for about 15 minutes.
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 that Morocco’s opponent teams were inferior. get a favorable decision The tournament served as a showcase for FIFA to co-host 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 neither is violence 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.”
Moroccan national team 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
His 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 Edouard Mendy.
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 is also the responsibility of the teams and 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.
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Associated Press on Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
