Sports
Senegal’s Potential Punishment After Walking Off Pitch vs Morocco Revealed
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
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
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.
Sports
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Puts Alexi Lalas in His Place During World Cup
Thierry Henry produced a priceless reaction live on FOX Sports after Zlatan Ibrahimovic put Alexi Lalas in his place on live TV following France’s 3-1 win over Senegal at the 2026 World Cup.
The trio have only been working together since the tournament began last week but there have already been moments of tension between Lalas, the former United States international, and his fellow pundits.
Lalas made headlines last week after describing British presenter James Corden as a “full kit w***er” live on TV on day two of the tournament, prompting a shocked reaction from his fellow panellists.
Since then, viewers on social media have been speculating that Zlatan and Henry have little time for the outspoken Lalas.
Zlatan Shuts Down ‘Arrogant’ France Accusations
There was another tense moment between Ibrahimovic and Lalas on Tuesday, following France’s victory over Senegal.
Lalas attempted to spark a discussion over whether the French team were guilty of being arrogant during the goalless first half. The 56-year-old made the comment after former USA star Landon Donovan called Les Bleus “arrogant” and “casual” in their approach during the opening 45 minutes.
“The reality is, if they are arrogant, it’s because they can do things like that,” Lalas said, highlighting France’s second-half performance in which Kylian Mbappe scored twice. However, Zlatan shut down any suggestions of France being arrogant, responding:
“It’s not arrogance, it’s confidence. Ignorant people will say it’s arrogance, intelligent people will say it’s confidence.”
Henry’s eyes widened and stayed that way for several seconds as the dust settled on Zlatan’s cutting response. Watch the clip below:
You scored
out of 20
France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struggled during the first half against Senegal in hot conditions at the New York New Jersey Stadium. But Didier Deschamps’ side found their rhythm after the break and secured all three points thanks to Mbappe’s brace and another goal from substitute Bradley Barcola.
However, France only find themselves second in Group I after the first round of matches due to Norway securing a 4-1 win over Iraq. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, making his maiden appearance at a World Cup finals, scored twice at the Boston Stadium.
Ballon d’Or 2026 Power Rankings
Tracking the leading contenders to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award in 2026.
In the night’s other games, over in Group J, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s joint all-time leading goalscorer after netting a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, while Austria sealed a 3-1 win over Jordan.
Sports
Ruben Amorim Wants Manuel Ugarte From Man Utd
Ruben Amorim could offer Manuel Ugarte an escape route, as The Mirror claims that the former Manchester United head coach wants the midfielder at his next club, AC Milan.
The Uruguayan international has struggled to make much of an impression since his switch from Paris Saint-Germain, having dropped down the team pecking order in the past year.
Ugarte’s struggles have been well-documented, and as Man United look to bolster their midfield ranks, he has been put among the players shortlisted for a potential exit this summer.
As they look to recoup much of the £42 million spent on the 25-year-old this summer, Amorim could give the Red Devils a much-needed financial boost.
AC Milan Want Manuel Ugarte
According to the report from The Mirror, Amorim is looking at a potential move for Ugarte this summer, with the hopes of reuniting at AC Milan.
It’s stated that Man United have slapped a £30 million price tag on the midfielder, as they hope to land a decent fee to move him on three years before the end of his contract.
As it stands, the Rossoneri are currently unwilling to match that demand, but talks are planned so that the two clubs can reach a compromise to get a deal over the line.
There is some hope that a positive World Cup for Ugarte, who is featuring for Uruguay in North America this summer, will help the Red Devils in their case to get a strong fee for him.
It remains to be seen whether that will be the case, but any move is likely to free up funds for the club to go back into the market for even better options.
You scored
out of 20
Man United’s Midfield Refresh
A transfer exit for Ugarte could help get the midfield refresh at Manchester United firmly underway, replacing a wantaway star with some quality.
Ederson’s move from Atalanta is already agreed in a huge boost for the position, while talks are continuing over the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
At least two additions to the central ranks are expected, but an exit for Ugarte for a strong fee could free up funds to add a third midfielder who could make all the difference.
Next Rodri: Man Utd Want £60.5m Midfield Star After Ederson
Manchester United are in the market for midfielders, with a former Manchester City academy player in their sights.
Links have continued for the likes of Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba, who may emerge as strong candidates later in the transfer window.
It remains to be seen if that is possible, especially with interest for a new left-back, backup goalkeeper, and a forward of some description before the window closes.
Sports
Why Tuchel Didn’t Call Up Trent Alexander-Arnold to Replace Tino Livramento
Thomas Tuchel has again decided against calling up Trent Alexander-Arnold to England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, and his reasons for doing so have emerged.
The Real Madrid defender was excluded from England’s 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in May, with the likes of Reece James, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento preferred.
Livramento had to withdraw from England’s squad just days before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia after suffering a calf injury in training.
Tuchel again decided against calling up Trent to replace the Newcastle defender, instead bringing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah into the fold.
Why Tuchel Decided Against Calling Up Trent Alexander-Arnold
Many football fans questioned Tuchel’s decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold when he initially named his squad, and many are baffled they have overlooked him again.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained the two reasons why the Real Madrid defender, considered one of the best right-backs in the world, was not called up.
He said: “There will be a lot of England fans and pundits saying ‘why not Trent Alexander-Arnold?’ – that’s a question Tuchel will be asked.
“It’s my understanding there are two reasons why it wouldn’t be Alexander-Arnold – firstly, we don’t know where he is. Could the England logistics teams get him here in time before the deadline?
“Also, Tuchel has left some big names out of this squad, Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire and Phil Foden. He didn’t want to bring them if they weren’t going to be guaranteed game time. So the England manager may have had concerns about bringing in a superstar like Alexander-Arnold if he was going to spend time sitting on the bench.”
⚽
World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Thomas Tuchel Explains Reasons For Calling Up Chalobah
Tuchel has now addressed Livramento’s injury and explained why he decided to replace him with Chalobah.
He said: “Tino was of course very disappointed and sad. All of us were. It was a bit of a shock when he had to stop training and he had a feeling that this could be an injury that could cost him the tournament. He was unfortunately right after assessment.
“We got the information that it’s about four or five weeks, which is unfortunately too long to keep on rebuilding and reintegrating him into the squad. We took the decision to send him home, which is disappointing.
“We called Trevoh Chalobah, because we can free up Jarell Quansah as a full-back on both sides. Djed Spence can play as a full-back on both sides. Trevoh comes as a centre-back alternative, which gives us full coverage in the back four.”
England get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Wednesday evening when they take on Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
-
Sports2 days agoFIFA Forced Into U-Turn on Spanish Press Conference Rule After Backlash
-
Sports1 day agoUS Denied World Cup Visa For Mum of Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha
-
Sports21 hours agoSaudi Arabia the Only 2026 World Cup Flag That Cannot Touch Ground
-
Sports2 days agoRafael van der Vaart Accused of Making Racist Japan Comments
-
Sports2 days agoFIFA Ban Pre-Revolutionary Iran Flags From World Cup Stadiums
-
Sports2 days agoManuel Neuer Breaks World Cup Kit Rules in Germany vs Curacao
-
Sports1 day agoEmma Hayes Praised For Using Drinks Break For Tactical Analysis
-
Sports1 day agoRodri Labelled ‘Salty’ For Cape Verde Comments After Spain Draw


