Africa Cup of Nations Final in Turmoil: FIFA Condemns Senegal Protest, Morocco Plan Legal Move

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned Senegal's decision to leave the field in protest of refereeing decisions during the Africa Cup of Nations final, calling the scenes that unfolded in Rabat

"unacceptable. "

Infantino criticised the conduct of Senegal's coaches, players and sections of the crowd after regulation time in Sunday's final against hosts Morocco, describing the chaos as inappropriate for a showpiece international fixture.

"The ugly scenes witnessed must be condemned and never repeated," Infantino wrote on Instagram after attending the match. He added that he expects the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take disciplinary action.

CAF echoed those concerns in a later statement, calling the incidents unacceptable and confirming that all available footage is being reviewed before the matter is referred to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

Morocco's football federation went a step further on Monday, announcing plans to pursue legal action with both CAF and FIFA. The move followed Senegal's walk-off, which caused a 15-minute stoppage before the match eventually resumed. Senegal went on to win the final 1-0 in extra time.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw could face serious sanctions after leading his players off the pitch when Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. That decision came minutes after Senegal had a potential winning goal ruled out for a foul, further heightening tensions.

Whether any punishment imposed on Thiaw would extend beyond African competitions to FIFA events remains unclear. Senegal are scheduled to open their World Cup campaign in June against France at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, before facing Norway six days later.

Africa Cup of Nations final: What happened

The flashpoint arrived deep into stoppage time when a video review awarded Morocco a penalty, judging that Senegal defender Abdoulaye Fall had fouled Brahim DÍaz during a corner. Senegal players and fans reacted angrily, believing Morocco had benefited from favourable officiating throughout a tournament seen as a key showcase ahead of the country's role as co-host of the 2030 World Cup.

Thiaw's decision to withdraw his team prevented DÍaz from immediately taking the spot-kick, while clashes broke out between Senegal supporters and police inside the stadium.

"It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and violence cannot be tolerated in our sport," Infantino said, urging teams to respect match officials and compete within the Laws of the Game.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui later described the incident as a "shameful" moment for African football.

When play eventually resumed, DÍaz missed the penalty in extraordinary fashion, attempting a weak Panenka that goalkeeper Édouard Mendy easily saved. Senegal then secured the title in extra time through a powerful strike from Pape Gueye.

Despite congratulating Senegal on their triumph, Infantino stressed that players and teams carry a responsibility to set the right example for fans in stadiums and viewers worldwide.

Morocco's federation, led by CAF first vice-president and FIFA Council member Fouzi Lekjaa, has formally requested both bodies to rule on Senegal's walk-off, arguing that it significantly disrupted the match and affected player performance. Under sports law, however, refereeing decisions made on the field are rarely overturned after the fact.