CAF condemns Senegal’s “unacceptable behaviour” for trying to boycott VAR-reviewed penalty awarded to Morocco

* Reviewing all footage to refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty

* I did what I had to do—Sadio Mane after he diffused the standoff that dragged for several minutes after several Senegal players went to the dressing room on the instructions of head coach Pape Thiaw

* Including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who returned after being persuaded by Mane and went on to save Brahim Diaz’s penalty kick attempt forcing the game into extra time

Maravi Express

The Confédération African Football (CAF) has condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” of some Senegal players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 final between the hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.

The continental football governing body further “strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers” and is reviewing all footage of yesterday’s standoff to refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.

Senegal went on to win their second AfCON after beating the hosts 1-0 — but this was after the Teranga Lions furious protested against the decision of a video assistant referee (VAR) that awarded a penalty to Morocco just on the dot of full time.

The fuming players — on the instructions of head coach Pape Thiaw — went to the dressing room, including goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, and the standoff dragged for several minutes before Mane persuaded them back to the pitch to finish the game.

Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s penalty kick attempt forcing the game into extra time that had Pape Gueye score the winning goal for Senegal to secure the 35th edition of the AfCON title.

In his post-game address after winning the Player of the Tournament Award, Mane talked through the controversial episode stating that it would have been crazy not to finish the game.

“African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world,” Sadio Mane told the BBC. “So, on my side, I did what I had to do.

“Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who watched the thrilling final along with 66,526 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, also condemned the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed Senegal’s victory.

Deep into time added on of normal play with the match locked at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, that prompted the Senegalese to boycott the match.

As a group of their fans fought with Moroccan security personnel at the other end of the stadium, Senegal’s players eventually returned to the pitch to see Diaz shoot a soft penalty into the arms of goalkeeper Mendy.

Senegal then went on to win the final with a brilliant goal from Pape Gueye in extra time and in a statement sent to AFP, FIFA president Infantino said: “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.”

Pape Gueye, however, said they walked off due to a “feeling of injustice”, saying: “Just before the penalty, we thought we should have had a goal and the referee didn’t go to VAR,” said Gueye.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted to French broadcaster beIN Sports that he had erred in telling the players to walk off: “After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn’t have asked them to go off. I apologise for that.

“Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. Before that we scored a goal that was not given. But now we accept that referees do make mistakes and we apologise.”

Infantino praised Morocco for a fantastic hosting — a boost for the North African nation in what was effectively a dress rehearsal for their co-hosting of the men’s 2030 World Cup.

However, Morocco coach Walid Regragui was worried by the damage done globally to African football after the chaotic final: “The image we gave of African football was rather shameful.

“Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy,” said Regragui.

Infantino, who was seen talking to Mane during the trophy presentation, said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions: “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play — because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated.

“I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”—Reporting by Citi Sports Online, CAFonline, BBC Sport & Iosco Count News Herald; edited by Maravi Express