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Africa’s football celebration was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal reportedly staged a walkout during post-match proceedings following a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter, prompting a reaction from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The incident occurred amid heightened emotions after a decisive match that altered the tournament’s final standings. Senegalese officials were said to have protested officiating decisions, describing them as unfair and detrimental to their team’s performance.
The walkout sparked widespread debate across Africa’s football community, with fans and analysts questioning the consistency of refereeing standards at the tournament. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, ranging from support for Senegal’s protest to calls for respect for competition rules.
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Reacting to the incident, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged calm and professionalism, emphasising the need to uphold the integrity of the game. He called on football authorities to address grievances through established channels rather than actions that could undermine the spirit of fair play.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to announce any disciplinary measures, but sources say the incident is under review. CAF officials reiterated their commitment to improving refereeing quality across competitions.
Despite the controversy, the AFCON tournament has been widely praised for its high level of competition and passionate fan engagement. However, the Senegal walkout has raised fresh concerns about officiating transparency.
Football stakeholders have called for stronger referee training programmes and the expanded use of technology to reduce disputes.
As AFCON continues to grow in global relevance, observers say managing controversies effectively will be critical to protecting the tournament’s reputation.
