The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has strongly condemned the scenes that disrupted the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the incident as unacceptable and warning that similar behaviour will not be tolerated in future tournaments.

The final, staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was briefly overshadowed when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch for approximately 17 minutes in protest. The decision followed a VAR review which awarded hosts Morocco a penalty after Brahim Díaz was adjudged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf.

After tense discussions, the Senegal team returned to the field and went on to secure victory after extra time. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Díaz’s attempted panenka penalty, before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal to seal the title for the Teranga Lions.

Speaking at a press briefing in Tanzania, Motsepe expressed deep disappointment at the events that marred what he otherwise described as a high-quality final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

“I was extremely disappointed with what happened at the AFCON final in Morocco. That should not happen again, and it will not happen again,” he said. “It was a blemish on what was otherwise a beautiful final.”

He added that CAF would take a firm stance going forward.

“That behaviour and conduct must not happen again. We will not tolerate it. There is zero tolerance, and it is non-negotiable. When people commit serious transgressions, there should be equally serious punishments and fines.”

Both Senegal and Morocco have since been charged in relation to the incidents during the match.

The controversy comes as CAF looks ahead to the 2027 edition of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in East Africa.

Motsepe’s remarks signal a determination by CAF to protect the integrity and image of its flagship competition, ensuring that future finals are remembered for football rather than controversy.