FIFA Release Strong Statement on Senegal Amid Claim AFCON Title ‘Could be Stripped’

FIFA have issued a statement following a sensational claim that Senegal could face the risk of disqualification and be stripped of their AFCON title over an alleged rules breach after their 1–0 victory over Morocco in Sunday night’s dramatic final. Pape Gueye’s brilliant extra-time strike sealed continental glory for the Lions of Teranga for the second time in four years, but the aftermath has been dominated by controversy off the pitch rather than the football itself.

Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the dying seconds of the game, sparking widespread fury among the Senegal players, who felt aggrieved after a goal of their own had been disallowed just moments earlier. What followed were farcical scenes as manager Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch in protest. The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before Sadio Mane ran into the dressing room to persuade his teammates to return.

Brahim Diaz was eventually handed the golden opportunity to sign, seal, and deliver Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976. Instead, he audaciously – and rather anti-climactically – attempted a Panenka, which was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy as extra time loomed. That moment appeared to be the turning point for Senegal, though their status as African champions is now reportedly in doubt. Meanwhile, FIFA have released a statement to address ongoing issues.

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Senegal’s Champion Status Questioned Over Possible Rule Breach

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rulebook, as cited by the Express, any team that leaves the field of play of its own accord risks disqualification from the tournament. Article 64 states:

If a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered looser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition.

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui took aim at Senegal after the final whistle, blasting the ‘shameful’ scenes that unfolded at the end of normal time. “The image we gave of African football was rather shameful,” he said. “Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy.”

Regragui also suggested that Diaz’s penalty miss was influenced by the lengthy stoppage, adding: “He had a lot of time before taking the penalty which must have disturbed him. But we can’t change what happened. That is how he chose to take the penalty. We need to look forward now.”

FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Condemns Senegal’s Actions
After congratulating Senegal on their title, Infantino said, as per Reuters: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – 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, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.

The FIFA chief added: “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. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” CAF said in a statement on Monday morning.