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FIFA President Condemns AFCON Final Chaos, Calls Conduct “Unacceptable”

Published

5 months ago

January 19, 2026

Preport

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the chaotic scenes that overshadowed Senegal’s dramatic victory over Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the behaviour of some players, officials and supporters as completely unacceptable.

Sunday night’s highly anticipated final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended in controversy despite Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time triumph over the host nation. The winning goal came from a brilliant long-range strike by Pape Gueye, sealing Senegal’s second AFCON title.

However, the historic victory was marred by disorder late in the match following a contentious refereeing decision.

In a reaction sent to AFP, Infantino criticised the conduct that followed the award of a late penalty to Morocco, which sparked protests from Senegalese players and officials.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said.

“Violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.”

The match was finely poised at 0–0 late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review of a challenge involving Senegal defender Moussa Diouf and Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz.

The decision provoked furious reactions from Senegal’s bench and players, many of whom walked off the pitch in protest, causing a lengthy interruption.

Tensions also spilled into the stands, where some Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch and clashed with security personnel.

Only Senegal captain Sadio Mane remained on the field, pleading with his teammates to return and allow the match to continue.

Before the incident, Senegal had already felt hard done by after a goal was ruled out for a perceived foul in the buildup – a decision many considered harsh.

After nearly 20 minutes of delay, the match finally resumed. Díaz stepped up to take the controversial penalty but saw his attempted ‘Panenka’ comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

That moment proved decisive.

In extra time, Senegal seized the momentum as Pape Gueye unleashed a powerful strike in the fourth minute, handing the Teranga Lions victory and their second AFCON crown following their maiden success in 2021.

Despite Senegal’s celebrations, Infantino warned that the scenes in Rabat must not be repeated, stressing the importance of respecting match officials and the rules of the game.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete within the Laws of the Game because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

The FIFA president also expressed concern over the global image of football, particularly with major international tournaments approaching.

“It is the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” Infantino added.

While Senegal will celebrate their hard-fought victory, the events in Rabat have reignited conversations about discipline, sportsmanship, and the need to protect the integrity of African football.

Related Topics:AFCON Calls Conduct “Unacceptable”FIFI President Condemns AFCON Final Chaos

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Kebbi Senator, Maidoki dumps APC for ADC

Published

2 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

Following the unresolved internal wrangling within the All Progressive Congress,APC, resulting from the recently concluded primaries in Kebbi State, the Senator representing Kebbi South, Garba Musa Maidoki, has defected from the ruling party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Maidoki who chairs the Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance and serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation cited unresolved internal wrangling within the APC following the just concluded primaries as the reason for his action.
Madoki was among the lawmakers screened out of the primaries.

Senator Maidoki stated that his decision followed, “wide consultations with constituents” in a letter addressed to the Senate President and read during Tuesday’s plenary.

He explained that his action was triggered by protracted problems arising from the APC primaries

The Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, urged the lawmaker to step down his defection to allow room for reconciliation as the APC in Kebbi does not have a fundamental crisis and that Maidoki’s grievances could be resolved internally.

Barau said, “I wish to intervene and plead with the distinguished senator to rescind his decision. There is no internal problem in the APC in Kebbi State. This is more of a family dispute and we can reconcile. I move that this defection be stepped down for reconciliation.”

Maidoki rejected the intervention, saying that he had already made up his mind as his exit adds to a string of defections from the APC to the ADC in recent months, with discontent over party primaries and internal disputes pushing some lawmakers toward the opposition.

The ADC has increasingly positioned itself as an alternative for politicians aggrieved by the ruling party’s internal processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Maidoki’s defection is likely to deepen those divisions and significantly alter the political calculation in Kebbi South.

News

NFF’s Working Towards Resuming CAF A-license Coaching Course In Nigeria – Sanusi

Published

4 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Preport

The general-secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Mohammed Sanusi has disclosed that egg heads and technical buffs of the governing body are working hard towards brining an A-license coaching course back to the country.

Sports247 reports that Sanusi made the disclosure while speaking at the ongoing Confederation of African Football (CAF) B-license coaches refresher course in Abuja, which he said became imperative to upgrade the country’s tacticians.

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While revealing that the coaching course is running alongside a similar training programme for referees in the country, Sanusi, who is one of the instructors, affirmed that the dual-programme will bring huge benefits for participants.

Sanusi, who spoke on behalf of NFF president, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, at the opening ceremony of the six-day course in Abuja on Monday, further disclosed that specialized paths have been introduced in building of capacity in the sector.

He specifically mentioned programmes in the areas of young talent, beach soccer and FIFA elite referees that were organized earlier this month, then disclosed that Nigeria has been admitted back into the CAF A-License Coaching Convention.

The NFF scribe described this development as a significant step for Nigerian coaches and urged them to diligently build their capacity towards the highest level possible in the game, then urged participants to show total commitment to excel.

“The technical department is now working assiduously towards resuming the CAF A-License course in Nigeria in August, for the first time in nine years. We have a total of 50 participants for the refresher course, but only 25 will be admitted.

“We will set very high standards and only the best will cross the hurdle. That does not mean we are going to close the door for others. Immediately we are done with this CAF A-course starting in August, we will apply for another one at that level.”

Sanusi also revealed that Gusau, who is also the president of West African Football Union (WAFU) zone-B, has approved a vehicle to move Video Assistant Referee (VAR) training equipment into Nigeria to upgrade match arbiters in the country.