The Senegal team won the final match against Morocco, this Sunday (18), and became champions of the African Football Cup. The score of 1-0 was enough, but the game in Rabat, the Moroccan capital, was a huge mess, which led to a statement from FIFA.
The match between the teams was 0-0 when, towards the end of the second half, the referee awarded, with the help of VAR, a controversial penalty for the Moroccan team. The decision caused the Senegalese, who did not agree with the marking, to leave the field as a form of protest.
After a few minutes off the field, the Senegal athletes decided to return. Spaniard of Moroccan origin Brahim Díaz missed a penalty – with cavadinha – and the goalkeeper made the save. The match went into extra time and Pape Gueye scored the only goal at the beginning of extra time. With the victory, Senegal became two-time champion of the African Cup of Nations.
FIFA
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, posted on his profile on Instagram congratulating Senegal on its achievement. He also praised the Moroccan team, but did not fail to condemn the attitude of the Senegalese players. The leader wrote:
“Unfortunately, we witnessed unacceptable scenes on the pitch and we strongly condemn the behavior of some ‘fans’, as well as some Senegalese players and their coaching staff. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play. Violence also cannot be tolerated in our sport. This is simply not right.”
Senegal players and members of the technical committee must be punished by FIFA. In addition to a fine, according to the Spanish sports newspaper To theathletes may even be left out of this year’s World Cup.
