AFCON 2025 : FIFA issues scathing statement against Senegal

FIFA has issued a stern statement condemning the Senegalese national team for its actions during the AFCON 2025 final, won by Senegal but marred by controversy.

The match saw multiple incidents, including disputes over refereeing decisions and repeated attempts to interfere with Edouard Mendy’s towels, culminating in Senegalese players temporarily leaving the pitch after a last-minute penalty was awarded to Morocco. The gesture, meant to protest perceived bias, sparked global attention and widespread criticism.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the behavior as “simply unacceptable” and called on CAF to take appropriate action.

“We strongly condemn the behavior of some Senegalese players and members of the technical staff. Leaving the pitch in this manner and any form of violence cannot be tolerated. Teams must always respect referees’ decisions and the Laws of the Game,” Infantino stated. He concluded that the scenes witnessed during the final “must be condemned and never repeated,” emphasizing that such actions jeopardize the integrity of football worldwide.