FIFA president condemns ‘ugly scenes’ from Senegal’s AFCON win

Senegal supporters protest after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco late on during the Africa Cup of Nations final soccer match between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, Morocco, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Youssef Loulidi)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to social media Monday to condemn the “ugly scenes” that marred Senegal’s win over Morocco during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Senegal won 1-0 on an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye. However, that only came following a series of events toward the end of regulation that led to most of Senegal’s players leaving the field.

The controversy began when Senegal was denied a stoppage-time goal due a foul that was called in the build-up. Moments late, Morocco was awarded a penalty kick following a VAR check when Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf was called for a foul in the box.

Many Senegal players walked off the field in protest, leading to a delay of more than 15 minutes. Meanwhile, some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field while fights broke out in the stands.

Once the Senegal players returned, Brahim Diaz’s penalty kick was saved by Edouard Mendy.