Infantino on the behavior of the players and coaching staff of the Senegal national team: “It is unacceptable to leave the field in this way”

The President of the International Football Federation (FIFA) Gianni Infantino spoke critically about the incident with the departure of the players and coaching staff of the Senegal national team from the field in the final match of the African Cup of Nations against Morocco.

The Senegal team achieved victory in extra time (1:0). In the eighth minute added to the second half, the referee awarded a penalty against the Senegal team. After this, most of the Senegalese players left the field at the request of the head coach, but then returned after the persuasion of the team’s forward Sadio Mane. In the 24th added minute, Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz kicked the penalty kick into the center of the goal – goalkeeper Edouard Mendy caught the ball. In extra time, Senegal won, with Pape Gueye scoring in the 94th minute.

“We strongly condemn the behavior of some “fans”, as well as some Senegalese players and coaching staff. It is unacceptable to leave the field in this way, and in the same way violence is unacceptable in our sport. This is simply wrong.

We must always respect the decisions made by the referees on and off the field. Teams must compete on the field and within the rules of the game, because anything else compromises the very essence of football.

Teams and players also have a responsibility to behave and set a good example for fans in stadiums and millions of spectators around the world. The unpleasant scenes we witnessed must be condemned and never repeated. “I emphasize once again that they have no place in football, and I hope that the relevant CAF disciplinary bodies will take appropriate measures,” Infantino was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.

The Senegalese team won the African Cup for the second time in history. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced that Monday, January 19, 2026, will be a paid day off throughout the country.