FIFA AND CAF THREATENS TO TAKE ACTION OVER "UNACCEPTABLE SCENE" DURING AFCON FINALS

BY SANDRA KENNETH

Football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned what it tagged “unacceptable scenes” that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with CAF pledging to take “appropriate action” against those found guilty.

The AFCON final between hosts Morocco and Senegal was disrupted late in normal time when referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, with the match level at 0-0.

In protest, most Senegal players walked off the pitch, while clashes broke out in the stands involving some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.

CAF, in a statement issued on Monday, condemned the behavior of some players and officials but stopped short of assigning blame to either team.

The body said it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to its disciplinary bodies.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the incident, describing the scenes as unacceptable. He criticized the decision to leave the pitch and the violence involving supporters.

Infantino praised Moroccoon “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts”  a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.