Morocco will be seeking to have Senegal stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title, following the chaotic scenes that disrupted the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.
According to a report by beIN SPORTS, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) intends to file complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s temporary walkout during the final amounted to a withdrawal from play.
Morocco believe that breach of competition regulations should result in the final being decided administratively, with the trophy awarded to the hosts.
Senegal won the final 1–0 after extra time, but the match was overshadowed by a lengthy stoppage late in normal time after a contentious penalty decision.
Walkout after penalty decision
The flashpoint came when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted angrily to the decision and instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest.
Play was suspended for more than 10 minutes as Senegal’s players gathered near the touchline before briefly returning to the dressing room. Moroccan players remained on the field while officials attempted to restore order.
When the match resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty after the prolonged delay. Senegal later scored the winning goal in extra time to secure their second AFCON title.
Morocco pursue disciplinary route
In a statement, the FRMF said it would ask CAF and FIFA to rule on what it described as Senegal’s “walk-off from the field of play”, arguing that the incident had a “significant impact on the normal course of the match”.
The Moroccan federation insists the penalty decision itself was correct and says the disruption altered the rhythm and psychological balance of the contest.
Earlier reports had suggested Morocco’s protest was largely symbolic. However, beIN SPORTS now says the federation’s intention is explicit: to seek the overturning of the result through disciplinary procedures.
CAF and FIFA respond
CAF has confirmed it is reviewing footage from the final and that the matter will be referred to its disciplinary bodies. While it did not name Senegal directly, the organisation condemned what it called “unacceptable behaviour” during the match.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also criticised the scenes.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game.”
CAF has not yet indicated what sanctions may follow or whether the result of the final itself could be reconsidered.
Senegal await decision
Senegal eventually returned to the pitch following intervention from senior players, including captain Sadio Mané. After the match, Thiaw apologised, saying the decision to leave the field had been taken “in the heat of the moment”.
Security concerns were also raised during the stoppage after Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch before being restrained by stewards.
For now, Senegal remain AFCON champions. But Morocco’s decision to pursue an administrative ruling means the final outcome of the tournament could yet be decided away from the field, in disciplinary hearings rather than on the pitch.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
