FIFA has introduced a new rule for the 2026 World Cup following the controversial Senegal AFCON walk-off in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The world football governing body announced that players who walk off the pitch in protest at refereeing decisions will be instantly dismissed during the 2026 World Cup. Officials who incite players to walk off the pitch will also face the same penalty.
The rule was confirmed on April 28 after a special meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver.
“The referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision,” according to the official release.
The announcement follows the chaotic scenes at the 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and hosts, Morocco on January 18. Senegal’s players left the pitch after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco deep into injury time. As a result, the match was delayed for 17 minutes before the players agreed to resume the game. Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka and missed, leading the match to extra time. Pape Gueye scored a spectacular winner in extra time to help the Teranga Lions lift the AFCON trophy for the second time in their history.
However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of the title due to the walk-off and awarded a 3–0 victory and the trophy to Morroco last month. In protest, Senegal has filed an appeal against that decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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