AFCON 2025: FIFA Clarifies Position as CAF Awaits Verdict on Senegal
World football governing body FIFA has reportedly clarified its position on the controversy that trailed the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to announce its disciplinary verdict on Senegal.
The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco descended into disorder following a controversial late penalty awarded to the hosts by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala in the closing seconds of regulation time. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The decision sparked outrage from the Senegalese technical bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw reportedly instructing his players to leave the pitch and head for the dressing room. The protest forced a stoppage that lasted approximately 17 minutes.
Play only resumed after intervention from Senegal captain Sadio Mané, who persuaded his teammates to return to the field and complete the match.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, sending the final into extra time. Senegal later sealed a 1–0 victory through Pape Gueye, securing their second AFCON title.
Despite the eventual conclusion of the match, CAF condemned the scenes surrounding the protest, describing the conduct as “unacceptable behaviour.” The continental football body immediately opened an investigation through its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which met on Tuesday to review submissions related to the incident.
CAF’s final verdict has yet to be announced.
Amid growing speculation over possible sanctions, Senegalese journalist Mamadou Ndiaye disclosed that FIFA has already communicated its stance on the matter.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Ndiaye stated that FIFA would not impose any international sanctions on Senegal, regardless of CAF’s eventual decision.
“While CAF has still not made a decision after the turbulent final, FIFA has already clarified its position: no international sanctions against Senegal,” Ndiaye wrote.
“Any potential sanction from CAF will remain strictly African. There is no threat whatsoever to the Lions’ participation in the World Cup.”
Although Senegal’s international standing appears unaffected, reports indicate that CAF may still impose heavy disciplinary measures on individuals involved in the incident, including head coach Pape Thiaw.
CAF is expected to announce its final ruling in the coming days.