AFCON Final: CAF Investigates ‘Unacceptable Behaviour’ of Players, Officials

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has condemned 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.

Senegal won the tournament in the Moroccan capital on Sunday night courtesy of a lone goal in the 94th minute of extra-time by Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye, but the talking point was Senegal’s walkout from the field before returning and securing the championship after Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after a 14-minute delay following VAR check.

The penalty was awarded for an adjudged foul by Senegal fullback El Hadji Malick, who tugged Morocco’s Brahim Diaz to the ground while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time.

The decision was not welcomed by Senegalese coach Page Bouna Thiaw who ordered his players off. However, Senegalese legend Sadio Mane persuaded Senegal to bring the team back onto the field and after their return, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stopped the weak penalty by Brahim Diaz.

Without clearly alluding the event, CAF strongly condemned “any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.”

It added that it is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.

The defeat marked continuity in Morocco’s poor performance in the tournament, who last won it around 50 years ago, whereas, it solidifies Senegal’s growing potential as it has won twice in the last three editions.

In his post-match news conference, Morocco coach Walid Regragui said Senegal’s actions were “shameful” and do not “honour Africa”.

Also, the President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Mr Gianni Infantino strongly condemned the “ugly scenes” in a post on Instagram.

“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”, adding the decisions taken by the match officials must always be respected, “because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk”.

Mr Infantino said what happened “must be condemned and never repeated”, and it is the responsibility of teams and players to set the right example.

“I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s coach Thiaw had his media briefing cancelled after a ruckus broke out in the press room with pro-Moroccan journalists protesting his actions.

In an interview with BeIN Sport, he claimed that he should not have ordered his team off the field following the call.

“We didn’t agree,” he said. “I don’t want to go over all the incidents. I apologise for the football. After reflecting on it I made them come back [on the pitch] – you can react in the heat of the moment. We accept the errors of the referee.

“We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”