FIFA updates tournament rules following Sénégal vs Maroc CAN 2025 controversy

New disciplinary measures for the 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the sport’s global governing body is reinforcing its legal arsenal to prevent extreme protests on the pitch.

This regulatory shift is a direct response to the incidents that marred the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). On January 18 in Rabat, the decision by Sénégal players to walk off during the game, followed by scenes of total disorder, sparked intense debate across the footballing world.

FIFA and IFAB introduce stricter sanctions

In light of these events, FIFA has secured new amendments through the International Football Association Board (IFAB). These updated regulations will be implemented starting with the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the États-Unis, Canada, and Mexique.

A key update involves the automatic expulsion of any player who deliberately leaves the field to protest a refereeing decision. Furthermore, technical staff members who encourage such actions will also face immediate dismissal.

According to official communications, referees now have the authority to send off any player abandoning the pitch in protest, a rule that extends to any official inciting this behavior. Another critical change stipulates that any team responsible for a match being permanently halted will automatically lose by forfeit. These measures aim to eliminate intentional game interruptions.

The Sénégal-Maroc precedent

The context for these changes stems from the CAN 2025 final, where Sénégal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his squad to exit the pitch. This occurred after a penalty was awarded to Maroc and a goal for the Lions was disallowed, leading to a period of chaos before play eventually resumed.

By adopting these new protocols, FIFA is signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward excessive dissent, ensuring the integrity and smooth operation of major international tournaments.