Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, criticized “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” that hampered their elimination from Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final when they walked off the pitch in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.
“We firmly condemn the actions of some “supporters,” Senegalese players, and technical staff members. In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino remarked, “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner.”
“Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport in this manner, and it is simply wrong,” the statement reads.
Read more about Senegal’s slam of Morocco for its second AFCON title.
Most Senegalese players left the field of play shortly before the match was even 0-0, and Morocco were given a spot kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
Sadio Mane, a former Senegal international star, pleaded with his teammates to return to the field for the penalty while he was still present.
They already grew out after a soft-looking foul minutes earlier was turned down for a goal at the other end.
Meanwhile, some Senegalese fans attempted to enter the arena and started fighting with security personnel as they did so.
Before Diaz could convert, the game was delayed by almost 20 minutes, when Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved his weak “panenka” kick.
In the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye scored a brilliant goal to give his team a 1-0 victory.
While praising Morocco for its “fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts,” Infantino said that the teams must adhere to the match officials’ directives ahead of their co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup.
He urged players to always adhere to the match officials’ decisions, both on and off the field of play.
Anything less threatens the very essence of football, according to the Laws of the Game. “Teams must compete on the pitch and within the laws of the game.”
Infantino said images like those from Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters all over the world, despite the fact that he will be hoping there won’t be any of these scenes in the upcoming World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to him, “It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act ethically and set the right example for the fans in the stadiums and millions of viewers around the world.”
Source: Channels TV
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