The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) has announced plans to pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA following Senegal’s brief withdrawal from the pitch during the closing stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The controversy erupted deep into stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review determined that Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz inside the box.
Senegal players, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, protested by walking off the pitch, causing a stoppage of nearly 20 minutes.
Morocco failed to convert the penalty, as Diaz’s effort was saved, and Senegal ultimately claimed the title in extra time through Pape Gueye’s winning goal.
In a statement, the RMFF said the referee’s decision was correct and emphasized that Senegal’s withdrawal disrupted the match and affected player performance.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with CAF and FIFA regarding the Senegalese national team’s withdrawal from the final match and the subsequent events following the referee’s correct penalty decision,” the statement read.
The federation also thanked Moroccan supporters for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.
