The Confederation of African Football has announced it will investigate the conduct of players and officials during the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday. The match was marred by controversy when Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw led his entire squad off the pitch in protest during the eighth minute of stoppage time, causing a 16-minute delay that shocked viewers across the continent and drew widespread condemnation from football authorities.
The incident unfolded after a chaotic sequence of events in the dying moments of normal time. Senegal had a goal disallowed following a VAR review, and moments later Morocco was awarded a penalty kick after another video review. Coach Thiaw responded by instructing his players to leave the field in protest of the officiating decisions. The walkout threatened to derail the tournament's showpiece event before players eventually returned to complete the match.
When play resumed, Morocco's Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but failed to convert, sending his effort wide of the goal. The match proceeded to extra time where Senegal's Pape Gueye scored a spectacular winner to secure the trophy for his nation. Despite the victory, Senegal now faces serious disciplinary consequences for their actions during the match.
CAF issued a strong statement condemning the behavior, declaring it unacceptable and confirming that all footage is being reviewed before referring the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also weighed in, stating that the organization strongly condemns the behavior of some supporters as well as Senegalese players and technical staff members, emphasizing that leaving the field of play in this manner is unacceptable and that violence cannot be tolerated in the sport.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has officially filed complaints with both CAF and FIFA, demanding legal action against the Senegalese delegation. Morocco's head coach Walid Regragui criticized Thiaw harshly, stating that the image given of Africa is shameful and that a coach asking his players to leave the field does not honor Africa. Coach Thiaw now faces disciplinary proceedings that could result in suspension from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who appeared reluctant to join the protest, later stated that his country would have been crazy not to finish the game.