Infantino Slams AFCON Final Chaos, Calls for Sanctions

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the chaotic scenes that overshadowed Senegal’s AFCON 2025 final victory over Morocco, urging CAF to take firm disciplinary action. The tournament ended in triumph for Senegal, but controversy followed disputed officiating, a stoppage of play, and crowd violence.

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala drew criticism after late decisions, including a controversial penalty that sparked protests. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to stop playing, with some briefly leaving the pitch as clashes erupted in the stands.

Infantino, present at the stadium, expressed disappointment, saying, “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner… violence cannot be tolerated.” He added that teams must “respect the decisions taken by the match officials.”

CAF has opened an investigation, with potential fines and bans looming. Calls have also grown for Morocco to face sanctions to avoid setting a “bad precedence” for future AFCON hosts.