FIFA president Gianni Infantino congratulated Senegal, who beat Morocco 1-0 in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, but criticised the behaviour of some “fans” and Senegalese players and staff who walked off the pitch after a penalty was awarded against them in the 95th minute.
The players threatened to walk off in the final when referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo from the Democratic Republic of Congo awarded a controversial penalty in injury time, minutes after he had disallowed a goal for the Lions of Teranga.
Convinced by their captain, Sadio Mane, the Senegalese returned to the field minutes later, Brahim took the penalty Panenka style and was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. In extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the winning goal for Senegal.
It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this way and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right
The head of world football, in a note from his organisation, congratulated Senegal on being crowned champions of Africa, as well as the president of its federation, Abdoulaye Fall.
He also praised the tournament of the host nation, Morocco, which he described as “fantastic, both as runners-up and as exceptional hosts”.
We must always respect the decisions made by the match officials on and off the field
“Unfortunately, we also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the pitch and in the stands: we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘fans’, as well as some Senegalese players and officials. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this way and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right,” said the manager.
Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything else jeopardises the very essence of football
Infantino added: “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials, just as we must respect the laws of the game. The teams involved should compete on a level playing field and within the rules of the game, because anything else is not football.”
“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and the millions who watch us around the world. The unsavoury scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterate that they have no place in football and I hope that the relevant CAF disciplinary bodies will take appropriate action,” he said.
Infantino expressed his gratitude to King Mohamed VI “for his constant support of football”, and to Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and member of the FIFA Council, “for his leadership and commitment to this sport”
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