The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has condemned the behaviour by some players and officials during the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday night.
A post on its website on Monday, said “The Confédération Africanize de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.”
It also condemned any form of inappropriate conduct during matches, particularly actions directed at match officials or organisers, adding that “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch to protest against a controversial late penalty award against the team in their match against hosts Morocco.
Also, angry away fans threw objects at the Senegalese players as they tried to enter the field at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco having the chance to win the final with nearly the last kick of the match.
It took the intervention of Sadio Mane who pleaded with his teammates to return to the field.
Brahim Diaz eventually took the penalty in the 24th minute of stoppage time, but Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy parried it, maintaining the score at 0-0 and sending the final to extra time.
A decisive extra-time goal by midfielder Pape Gueye, secured victory for Senegal, thus clinching their second AFCON title in recent years.
Reacting, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the scenes were “ugly,” adding that “violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.”
Infantino went on to congratulate Senegal for winning the triumph, just as he urged CAF disciplinary bodies to take appropriate measures.
CAF’s investigation is as a result of wider tensions during the tournament, including earlier complaints by Senegal over logistical issues and allegations of biased officiating in Morocco’s semifinal match against Nigeria.
