Image of the World Cup trophy
Concerns have been growing in the football world after chaotic incidents marred the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Senegal defeated the host nation to lift their second title in history.
During the final, a penalty was awarded to Morocco, but Senegalese players fiercely opposed the decision, challenging its credibility.
In protest, Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was seen urging his players to leave the pitch. The team briefly walked off, throwing the final into uncertainty and stunning the crowd inside the stadium.
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It took the intervention of Sadio Mané to calm his teammates and persuade them to return. Some players were also spotted invading the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) area to obstruct the referee, breaching regulations and resulting in suspensions and fines.
Aggrieved Senegalese fans threw objects onto the pitch, and clashed with Moroccan police before order was eventually restored.
Following these chaotic incidents, reports emerged that Morocco’s chances of winning the bid to host the final of the 2030 World Cup could be derailed, as they are competing with Spain.
In reaction, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incidents, noting that they tarnished the image of the sport.
Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Rafael Louzan expressed confidence that Spain would be awarded the rights to host the World Cup final due to the AFCON controversy.
“Spain has proven its organizational capacity over many years. It will be the leader of the 2030 World Cup, and the final of that World Cup will be held here.
Morocco is undergoing a transformation with magnificent stadiums, and we must recognise what has been done well. But in the Africa Cup of Nations, we saw scenes that damage the image of world football,” Louzan said at an event organized by the Madrid Sports Press Association.
Meanwhile, Moroccan spokesperson Mohamed Makrouf debunked reports that Spain had already been awarded the hosting rights, stressing that FIFA has yet to officially communicate its decision.
Reports suggest that the Santiago Bernabéu is among the stadiums being considered for the final if Spain’s bid succeeds.
SB/EB
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