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Senegal’s Potential Punishment After Walking Off Pitch vs Morocco Revealed

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Senegal’s potential punishment for walking off the pitch during their 1-0 AFCON final victory over Morocco on Sunday night has now been revealed. Pape Gueye’s stunning extra-time goal secured the Lions of Teranga continental glory for the second time in four years, but controversy around the tournament remains an unwelcome presence.

Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty in the dying seconds of the game, sparking widespread fury among the Senegal players, who felt aggrieved after a goal of their own had been disallowed just moments earlier. What followed were farcical scenes as manager Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the pitch in protest. The match was delayed for nearly 20 minutes before Sadio Mane ran into the dressing room to persuade his teammates to return.

Brahim Diaz was eventually handed the golden opportunity to sign, seal, and deliver Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976. Instead, he audaciously – and rather anti-climactically – attempted a Panenka, which was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy as extra time loomed. Even though that proved to be the turning point in helping Senegal retain their maiden title from 2021, punishment could still follow for the champions.

Senegal’s Potential Punishment After AFCON Triumph Revealed

MixCollage-19-Jan-2026-01-08-PM-896

According to Africa Cup of Nations regulations, as reported by AS, Senegal face a substantial fine of between €50,000 and €100,000 (£43,000 to £86,000) for the indiscipline of its delegation and fans. In addition, the coaches and players involved could receive suspensions of four to six matches, which may rule several of them out of the World Cup, as the bans would be served during the tournament.

Senegal’s upcoming home matches would also be played behind closed doors, while their supporters could be banned from travelling to the competition. There have been rumours that Senegal could be barred from the World Cup entirely, although no ruling or information has been presented to confirm that outcome is possible.

In a statement on Monday, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said it will “pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to rule on the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s award of a penalty deemed correct by all experts”.

In Morocco’s case, no specific sanctions have yet been announced, but several incidents are under investigation. These include actions by ball boys who attempted to steal the towel goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was using during extra time, mirroring a similar incident involving Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali in the semi-finals before the penalty shootout.

FIFA & CAF Release Statements Amid Growing Pressure

Gianni Infantino

After congratulating Senegal on their title, Infantino said, as per Reuters: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – 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, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

The FIFA chief added: “It is also 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. The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty,” CAF said in a statement on Monday morning.

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After 3 Years, Arsenal Revive Transfer Interest In Ivan Fresneda

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Arsenal are set to enter the summer transfer market with some huge potential deals, as reports claim the club are looking to revive interest in a defender they eyed three years ago.

The Gunners are expected to be somewhat busy over the course of the transfer window, with Mikel Arteta looking to take his team to the next level after sealing his first Premier League title as head coach.

The priority appears to be in attack, as links to Morgan Rogers have persisted, while there is also interest in PSG star Bradley Barcola for the coming weeks.

There may be some moves in the defence too, depending on outgoings, with reports emerging of a potential deal in the works for a star they’ve shown interest in before.

Arsenal Want Ivan Fresneda Transfer

Iván Fresneda

As Arsenal look at new options to freshen up the squad, Portuguese outlet A Bola, via Sport Witness, claims that the Gunners are eyeing a deal for Sporting CP star Ivan Fresneda.

The North London clubs were linked with the defender back in 2023, as he impressed when breaking through the ranks with Real Valladolid.

While there was interest, he instead made the move to Sporting, where he has made 81 appearances since and has grown into an important player for the side.

The report claims that Arsenal are closely monitoring Fresneda, and while there is a £69 million release clause in his deal, his club are unwilling to negotiate a move this summer.

Joining Arsenal in their interest is Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle United, as they all eye a potential star of the future at right-back.

It remains to be seen if the Gunners can finally tempt a move for Fresneda, but they should try their luck if they want to progress.

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Arsenal Need Right-Back Cover

Ben White

Arsenal fans are likely to get more excited by their forward additions rather than any signings in the backline, but a new right-back could be key this summer.

The Gunners found it to be a problem position last season, as injuries to Jurrien Timber and Ben White kept the pair out of action, with Arteta resorting to using Cristhian Mosquera at right-back.

Fresneda, at just 21 years old, could prove to be an ideal candidate to compete for a place in the long-term, while offering plenty of energy and fitness for the role.


Mikel Arteta


He Wants To Join: £100m Arsenal Transfer Target Rejects Premier League Rivals For Gunners

Arsenal’s pursuit of one star in the summer transfer window has been boosted.

He was among the fastest players in the Champions League for last season, showing he can bring his rapid pace to the backline as and when required.

It remains to be seen how much it may take to complete a deal, but it’s one Arsenal should push to get over the line to help bolster out their options.

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Clip of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands During Argentina 3-0 Algeria Goes Viral

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Zinedine Zidane watched on from the stands as an Algeria side featuring his son, Luca, were beaten by Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.

Luca, a goalkeeper, was born in France and has spent much of his life in Spain. However, he has always been eligible to represent Algeria and officially switched allegiances ahead of this summer’s tournament.

The 28-year-old, who plays for Spanish second tier side Granada at club level, was named in his nation’s starting lineup for their opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina.

Luca was powerless to resist as the reigning World Cup champions picked up a comfortable victory courtesy of the brilliant Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami forward, who was perhaps fortunate not to be sent off, netted a stunning hat-trick as the South Americans won 3-0.

Video of Zinedine Zidane in the Stands Goes Viral

Zinedine Zidane watches on from the stands at the 2026 World Cup Dylan Martinez via Reuters

Luca did not have his best match in goal. According to SofaScore, he made just three saves during the game and had a goals-prevented stat of -0.78, meaning he conceded more goals than expected.

Despite completing all 37 of his passes, Luca was given a rating of just 6.3/10.

The camera panned to his father, Zinedine, with Argentina leading 2-0 with just over 15 minutes of the game remaining. The Real Madrid and France legend did not look impressed at all as he shook his hand before falling back into his seat.

Luca Zidane’s Performance vs Argentina Sparks Big Reaction

Lionel Messi scores against Luca Zidane Siphiwe Sibeko via Reuters

Football fans watching the match were not impressed with Luca’s performance. One fan was especially brutal as they said: “The Algerian FA should be investigating everyone involved in getting Luca Zidane a starting spot in the XI. There’s no way he starts for them without serious strings being pulled behind the scenes. They’re risking an early World Cup exit and possibly losing out on millions of dollars.”

Another stated: “He doesn’t even know how to do the simple basics of goalkeeping. [The] first goal was genuinely embarrassing, and he went and conceded an even worse goal the second time.”

A third said: “Algeria’s population is 48 million. Is it possible there’s no better goalkeeper than this?” While a fourth commented: “There’s no way this guy goes professional without Zidane.”

World Cup History Quiz

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Why Luca Zidane is Wearing a Mask at the 2026 World Cup

Luca Zidane Denny Medley via Reuters

In the spring, Luca fractured his jaw and chin, while suffering a severe concussion, following a sickening collision during a match against Almeria. He subsequently missed the rest of the domestic season and had to have surgery.

Despite that injury, Luca was named in Algeria’s 26-man squad for the World Cup. He hasn’t fully recovered, though, and is only allowed to play while wearing a black mask that covers the perimeter of his face.

Luca gave an update on his injury ahead of the tournament. He said: “I’m doing well, I don’t have any pain anymore. The surgery went well and five weeks have passed now. I returned to training on the pitch two weeks ago and I’m very happy.”

Luca and Algeria will be looking to bounce back when they face Jordan in their next Group J match on Monday, June 22.

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Rangers Could Lose Nicolas Raskin As European Giants Eye Transfer

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Rangers are facing the possibility of losing a key star this summer, as Gianluca Di Marzio claims that a Serie A side are eyeing a regular starter from Ibrox.

It comes as the Glasgow outfit are facing a few big changes over the course of the next few weeks, with Danny Rohl set to leave the club and join RB Salzburg.

Derek McInnes is ready to take over, as he seems set to join from Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts, following the same path as Lawrence Shankland, who has already joined the club.

Further switches are expected in the transfer market if Rangers are to compete at the top once again, but there could be exits before any new arrivals.

Nicolas Raskin Transfer Interest

Nicolas Raskin Rangers Celtic

Reports from Gianluca Di Marzio claim that Nicolas Raskin has emerged as a key target for Serie A side Atalanta in the summer transfer window.

The midfielder is wanted by Maurizio Sarri, as his side prepare for another important campaign in the Italian league, as well as the Europa Conference League.

Raskin, who has been described as “phenomenal” during his time with Rangers, is currently away on international duty with Belgium at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old was included in Rudi Garcia’s 26-man squad, and made his World Cup debut when featuring from the bench in the Red Devils’ 1-1 draw with Egypt.

It remains to be seen whether Raskin will make his decision on his future during or after the competition, but his involvement could mean there’s a wait for any transfer to be decided upon.

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Rangers Should Cash In On Raskin

Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin celebrates

As Rangers look to address key areas of the squad, there will be a need to move some players around to help free up space for a proper refresh.

Raskin is one of the players the club should look to move on, as he enters the final two years of his contract at Ibrox, as doubts continue over his long-term future.

The Belgian has picked up over 140 appearances for Rangers, but injuries have ruled him out of some key games in the past two seasons.


Derek McInnes claps the Hearts fans


McInnes Asks Rangers to Make £8m Celtic Target His First Signing

Derek McInnes is already outlining his transfer demands ahead of Rangers appointment

If the team can pick up some fresh faces in the midfield to add a little more bite, as well as some quality in possession, then raising funds will also be important.

Raskin has been a great servant for the club, but his time could be coming to an end soon.

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