FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Senegal on defeating Morocco 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, but criticized the actions of some “fans” and the Senegalese players and staff who left the pitch after Senegal were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute.
The players threatened to be sent off in the final when referee Jean-Jacques Gambo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo awarded a controversial penalty in stoppage time, minutes after disallowing a Teranga Lions goal.
Africa Cup of Nations descends into chaos over controversial decision
At the urging of captain Sadio Mane, the Senegalese returned to the field minutes later and Brahim took a Panenka-style penalty, which goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.
Leaving the playing field like this is unacceptable, and by the same token, violence is unacceptable in our sport. that’s simply not correct
In a memo from the organization, world football chiefs congratulated Senegal and the federation’s president Abdoulaye Fall on being crowned African champions.
He also praised host Morocco, calling it “fantastic both as a runner-up and as an exceptional host nation.”
We must always respect the decisions of match officials on and off the field
“Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the pitch and in the stands. We strongly condemn the actions of some ‘fans’, as well as some Senegalese players and officials. Leaving the playing field in this way is unacceptable, and likewise violence cannot be tolerated in our sport. It is simply not right,” the coach said.
Teams must compete within the rules of the game on the pitch, as any other action would jeopardize the essence of football.
Infantino added: “Just as you must respect the laws of the game, you must always respect the decisions of the match officials. The teams involved should compete on a level playing field and within the rules of the game, because anything else is not football.”
“It is 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 watching us around the world. The disgusting scenes witnessed today are condemned and must never be repeated. We reiterate that they have no place in the world of football, and we look forward to the relevant CAF disciplinary bodies taking appropriate action,” he said.
Infantino thanked King Mohammed VI for his “constant support for football” and Fawzi Lekujar, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and member of the FIFA Council, for his “leadership and dedication to the sport.”
