Rabat – The aftermath of the tumultuous AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal continues to unfold, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) adopting a defiant stance against ongoing investigations by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Despite widespread condemnation of the chaotic scenes, Senegal appears unconcerned, signaling no fear of impending sanctions.
Senegal’s Stance: Defiance Amidst Scrutiny
In the wake of the controversial AFCON final, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has publicly downplayed the significance of investigations launched by global and continental football bodies. FSF leader Abdoulaye Fall, speaking on Tuesday, expressed a notable lack of concern, stating his association is “accustomed to these situations.”
“Accustomed to Procedures”
Fall elaborated, “Even during the AFCON, we have faced procedures before the disciplinary committee.” Celebrating the AFCON trophy, he added, “We are waiting to see the CAF’s referral to take the necessary measures.” For him, there is no concern at this stage, suggesting a readiness to navigate any disciplinary actions that may arise.
The Controversial Final: A Timeline of Chaos
The investigations stem from the dramatic events of the AFCON final, which saw the Senegalese team withdraw from the pitch and fans engage in violent acts. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced its intention to pursue legal action following Senegal’s walk-off.
Morocco’s Legal Recourse
The FRMF highlighted the significant impact of the incident on the match’s flow and player performance, extending gratitude to Moroccan supporters. Their decision to take legal action underscores the gravity with which the incident is viewed by the host nation.
FIFA and CAF’s Stern Condemnation
Both CAF and FIFA have unequivocally condemned the behavior witnessed during the final. The chaotic scenes included Senegalese fans attempting to storm the pitch and attacking security guards with chairs. This vandalism reportedly followed a referee’s decision to award a legitimate penalty to Morocco after a foul on Brahim Diaz. Senegalese players reacted with visible rage, with coach Pape Thiaw reportedly inciting them to abandon the match. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the acts by some Senegalese players and supporters as “ugly,” while CAF is reviewing all footage, labeling the behavior “unacceptable.”
Pre-Match Tensions: Senegal’s Allegations
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Senegalese federation and its coach had engaged in several contentious remarks even before the final. Hours prior to kick-off, the FSF issued a strongly worded statement alleging “a series of organizational and security shortcomings” in the final’s preparations. They warned against any “undermining of fairness and equal opportunities” in what was expected to be a high-profile match.
Broader Context: Morocco’s Hosting Acclaim
The FSF’s pre-match accusations were made in the spirit of “transparency” and to “defend the interests of the national team,” they claimed. Ironically, these allegations emerged amidst widespread international praise for Morocco’s exceptional hosting of the 2025 AFCON, which had garnered global recognition for its world-class organization.
As FIFA and CAF continue their reviews, the football world watches closely to see what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken. Senegal’s confident posture suggests a belief in their ability to weather the storm, but the gravity of the accusations and the visual evidence of the chaos may yet lead to significant repercussions.
For more details, visit our website.
Source: Link
Leave a comment