The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially launched legal proceedings with FIFA and CAF over Senegal’s conduct during Morocco’s AFCON 2025 final clash on Sunday.
Senegal beat the Atlas Lions 1-0 in extra time, a match that will be remembered for the unprecedented 17-minute standoff that brought the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to a standstill.
The controversy erupted in the 98th minute of regulation time. With the score tied at 0-0, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty in Morocco’s favour upon consultation with VAR after El Hadj Malik Diouf felled Brahim Diaz in the box.
This angered Senegal players and staff. Head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to forfeit the match and leave the pitch. Sadio Mane defied the order, and beckoned his teammates to return to the pitch.
After a lengthy delay, Mane even returned to the dressing room to convince the players to return, and they did.
Diaz then got the chance to put the game to bed in Morocco’s favor, but his resultant ‘panenka’ attempt was wayward as Edouard Mendy nonchalantly caught the ball.
In a statement released through their official channels, the FRMF argued withdrawal was a calculated disruption.
"This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players' performance," the FRMF stated.
Morocco insist the situation had a negative effect on the psychological state of the players, which led to Diaz’s penalty miss and subsequent extra-time performance.
The FRMF also spoke out against Senegal fans’ violent acts. Footage showed fans damaging stadium seats and clashing with security officers as they attempted to invade the pitch in frustration.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the scenes as "ugly," stating they have "no place in football." CAF confirmed they are reviewing all match footage and will refer the matter to disciplinary bodies.
Senegal might have won their second AFCON title in three editions, but their reputation might be on the line. They risk heavy sanctions if found guilty of putting the game into disrepute.
The FRMF has expressed gratitude to Moroccan fans for their “exemplary support”. It remains firm that the integrity of the AFCON final must be upheld.
