Morocco to file complaints with FIFA and CAF over Senegal’s withdrawal in Africa Cup of Nations final

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced it will initiate legal proceedings with FIFA and the CAF following Senegal’s controversial withdrawal during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final played in Rabat against Morocco.

In an official statement, the FRMF said Senegal’s withdrawal was “accompanied by serious incidents” that occurred after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco—a decision the federation claims disrupted the normal flow of the match and directly affected the players’ performance.

The match, which Senegal won 1–0 in extra time, was halted for more than ten minutes following protests by Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, who ordered his players to leave the pitch in disagreement with the refereeing decision. After play resumed, Brahim Díaz missed the penalty that could have changed the outcome of the final.

During the stoppage, dozens of Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch, creating moments of extreme tension that forced organizers to intervene to prevent further incidents.

Hours later, the CAF released a statement condemning the “unacceptable behavior” of some players and officials during the final, without explicitly naming Senegal. The African body confirmed it is reviewing all footage of the incident and that the case will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities to determine potential disciplinary sanctions.

As a result, the AFCON final is now marked by historic controversy, with Morocco determined to take the case to football’s highest governing bodies, while pressure mounts on the CAF to deliver a firm and exemplary ruling.

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