Senegal supporters clash during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026
Football’s global and continental governing bodies, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), have strongly condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that disrupted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, pledging firm disciplinary action against those found culpable.
The explosive incident occurred late in normal time of the final between hosts Morocco and Senegal after referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz, with the match tied at 0-0. In protest, most Senegalese players walked off the pitch, while clashes erupted in the stands involving some Senegal supporters and Moroccan security officials.
CAF, in a statement released Monday, criticised the conduct of some players and officials without directly blaming either side.
The continental body confirmed that all available footage is being reviewed and that the matter has been forwarded to its disciplinary organs.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the statement read.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers,” it added.
“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.” After intervention led by former Liverpool star Sadio Mané, one of the few Senegal players who initially remained on the field, the team eventually returned to complete the match.
Senegal went on to secure a dramatic victory in extra time through a stunning strike by Pape Gueye, silencing the majority of the 66,526 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and clinching the AFCON title in controversial fashion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also weighed in, describing the scenes as deeply troubling while condemning both the walkout and the violence involving supporters.
“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said in a statement sent to AFP. “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.”
While praising Morocco for hosting “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts,” Infantino stressed that teams must respect officiating decisions.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said. “Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
He further warned that such images send the wrong signal globally.
“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” Infantino added.
“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated… they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”
In a moment of reflection, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted his role in the incident. “After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn’t have asked them to go off. I apologise for that,” he told beIN Sports.
“Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment… But now we accept that referees do make mistakes and we apologise.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui, however, lamented the broader impact, saying: “The image we gave of African football was rather shameful… not very classy.” CAF has since reiterated that investigations are ongoing and sanctions will follow once concluded.
