Senegal face heavy CAF sanctions after chaotic AFCON final, World Cup place seen safe | OneFootball

Senegal could face heavy sanctions from CAF’s disciplinary commission on Tuesday after serious disorder in the Africa Cup of Nations final, though exclusion from the next World Cup appears unlikely, according to L'Équipe.

The hearing was postponed at the Senegalese federation’s request. It examines the late unrest in the 18 January final in Rabat, which Morocco won 1-0 after extra time.

Senegal left the pitch after a contentious penalty given to Morocco in the final seconds. Coach Pape Thiaw led the protest and told his players to return to the dressing room.

The match was halted for a long spell, with fights in the stands, attempted pitch incursions by Senegal fans, damage and injuries, and the local organisation criticised. On Sunday, federation president Abdoulaye Fall accused Morocco of dominating CAF.

Commission president Ousmane Kane has stepped aside because Senegal are involved. The case will be handled by officials from South Africa, Egypt, Chad and Niger, using reports from the referee, the match delegate and two security leads.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attended the final, condemned the conduct of some Senegal players and staff and urged CAF to act. Sanctions are not immediate and could hit Thiaw, some players and possibly the team, but FIFA lawyers see any punishments as continental only. They do not expect FIFA to extend them worldwide.

Source: L'Équipe