Morocco Pursues AFCON Title Amidst Senegal Walkout Controversy

The AFCON final played in Rabat has sparked a major dispute that now threatens to be settled in the boardrooms rather than on the field. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced it will activate legal procedures before FIFA and CAF, arguing that Senegal effectively withdrew from the final against Morocco during a critical moment of the match. According to the Moroccan federation, the Senegalese protest—culminating in players leaving the pitch—seriously disrupted the normal flow of the game and negatively affected player performance. The flashpoint came after a penalty was awarded in favor of Morocco, a decision that ignited tensions and ultimately defined the tone of a final overshadowed by controversy. The most sensitive moment occurred when the referee pointed to the spot for Morocco. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted strongly and instructed his players to leave the field in protest. The match was suspended for more than ten minutes, a stoppage the FRMF claims broke the rhythm of play and compromised competitive fairness. After play resumed, Brahim Díaz stepped up to take the penalty but failed to convert. Despite that miss, the incident left a lasting impact. Senegal eventually secured a 1–0 victory in extra time, yet the circumstances surrounding the stoppage have raised serious regulatory questions. Tensions also spilled into the stands during the interruption. Dozens of Senegalese supporters attempted to enter the pitch, though organizers managed to prevent the situation from escalating into a larger security issue. Shortly after the final, CAF released a statement condemning the “unacceptable behavior” of certain players and officials during the match, without explicitly naming Senegal. The governing body emphasized that it will not tolerate improper conduct, particularly actions directed at match officials or tournament organizers. CAF also confirmed it is reviewing all available footage of the incident and will forward the case to the appropriate disciplinary bodies, with “appropriate measures” to be taken if violations are confirmed. With proceedings now shifting away from the pitch, Morocco are aiming to have the final decided administratively. The FRMF argues that Senegal’s walkout constitutes a serious breach of competition regulations, one that could result in sporting sanctions and potentially a reassessment of the match outcome.