FIFA and CAF Condemn Chaos at AFCON 2025 Final in Morocco

January 19, 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) have strongly condemned the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.

The highly anticipated showpiece match, watched by millions across Africa and beyond, was disrupted deep into stoppage time of regulation following a controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision that awarded Morocco a penalty with the score tied at 0–0.

Tensions escalated after the referee ruled that Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly had fouled Morocco winger Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area. The decision, confirmed after a lengthy VAR review, sparked furious protests from Senegalese players and officials.

In an unprecedented moment, several Senegal players and members of the technical bench walked off the pitch in protest, temporarily halting the match and plunging the final into confusion.

The walkout triggered unrest inside the stadium, with sections of Senegal supporters attempting to breach security barriers and gain access to the field of play. Security officials intervened as objects were reportedly thrown, forcing match officials to suspend play for nearly 20 minutes.

In a statement sent to AFP, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the scenes as deeply troubling and incompatible with the values of football.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” 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.”

Infantino stressed that respect for match officials is central to the integrity and credibility of the game, regardless of the magnitude of the occasion.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he added.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

While emotions ran high, Senegal captain Sadio Mané remained on the pitch throughout the stoppage and was widely praised for attempting to calm his teammates and urging them to return so the final could continue.

After extensive negotiations between match officials, team representatives and security personnel, play eventually resumed amid heavy tension inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco forward Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but saw his audacious panenka attempt brilliantly saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, drawing loud cheers from Senegal fans and briefly restoring calm.

The dramatic moment shifted the momentum of the match and proved decisive in extra time. In the fourth minute of the additional period, midfielder Pape Gueye struck a stunning long-range effort that beat Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, sealing a dramatic 1–0 victory for Senegal.

The goal secured Senegal’s second AFCON title and marked a historic triumph achieved under extraordinary circumstances.

Despite the on-field success, the post-match atmosphere was overshadowed by the earlier disruption, prompting CAF to issue its own strongly worded statement.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable conduct witnessed during the AFCON final,” CAF said.

The continental governing body confirmed that it has launched a full investigation into the incidents, including the actions of players, team officials and supporters.

CAF added that all available broadcast footage, referee reports and security records are currently under review and that the matter will be referred to the appropriate disciplinary bodies.

Potential sanctions could include fines, suspensions or further disciplinary measures in accordance with CAF regulations.

The chaos at the final has sparked widespread debate across Africa about officiating, the use of VAR and the responsibility of players and officials to uphold sportsmanship on football’s biggest stage.

While acknowledging the emotional weight of AFCON finals, Infantino warned that the events in Rabat sent the wrong message to young fans and the global football community.

“Football must unite people, not divide them,” he noted, emphasizing that discipline, respect and fair play remain non-negotiable principles of the sport.

Despite the controversy, the FIFA president praised Morocco for successfully hosting the tournament, describing AFCON 2025 as one of the best-organised editions in recent history.

“Morocco delivered a fantastic tournament in terms of infrastructure, hospitality and atmosphere,” Infantino said.

However, he cautioned that incidents such as those witnessed in the final risk undermining years of progress made by African football on the global stage.

Football analysts across the continent have echoed similar sentiments, urging CAF and national associations to reinforce education on match conduct and strengthen security protocols for high-risk fixtures.

Many observers also commended Senegal’s players for regaining composure after the disruption and finishing the match with professionalism, while praising Morocco’s hosting efforts despite the painful defeat in front of home supporters.

As investigations continue, both FIFA and CAF reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring accountability and preventing a recurrence of such scenes in future competitions.

The AFCON final, meant to be a celebration of African football excellence, ultimately served as a reminder of the fine balance between passion and discipline — a balance authorities say must never be lost if the game is to continue growing across the continent.