The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced plans to file an official petition with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Senegal’s dramatic withdrawal from the pitch during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. The decision has escalated tensions around one of the most controversial moments of the tournament.
According to the Moroccan football body, the legal action will focus on Senegal’s refusal to continue the match after the referee awarded a penalty kick in favour of Morocco, a decision that reportedly sparked heated protests and disorder on the field. The FRMF described Senegal’s actions as a breach of competition regulations and sporting conduct, insisting that the integrity of the AFCON final was compromised.
Sources close to the federation say Morocco will formally request a review of the incident, including the referee’s decision-making process, the conduct of the Senegalese team, and the circumstances surrounding their withdrawal from play. The petition is expected to ask FIFA and CAF to apply relevant disciplinary measures in line with tournament rules governing match abandonment and unsporting behaviour.
The incident has generated widespread debate across Africa and beyond, with football fans, analysts, and former players sharply divided over the referee’s call and Senegal’s reaction. While some have questioned the penalty decision, others argue that walking off the pitch sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the spirit of fair competition.
CAF has yet to issue an official response, but insiders confirm that the continent’s football governing body is compiling reports from match officials, security personnel, and both national teams as part of its review process. FIFA is also expected to monitor the case closely due to its potential implications for international football governance.
As reactions continue to pour in, the controversy threatens to overshadow Morocco’s AFCON campaign and raises fresh questions about officiating standards, player discipline, and crisis management in high-stakes African football matches.
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