Morocco to Take Legal Action Over Senegal Walk-Off in AFCON Final
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced plans to take legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over Senegal’s walk-off during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the federation said the Senegalese team left the pitch after the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, a decision it said was correct.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding the Senegalese national team’s withdrawal from the final match against Morocco and the subsequent events following the referee’s decision to award a penalty kick, a decision deemed correct by all experts,” the statement read.
FRMF added that the incident “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players’ performance.”
The federation also thanked Moroccan supporters for their backing of the team, praising their “loyalty to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all of the national team’s matches and other tournaments.”
It further expressed appreciation to everyone involved in the successful organisation of the tournament.
The final, played at the Stade Mohammed V in Rabat on Sunday, was thrown into chaos late in normal time. With the score at 0–0, Senegal had a goal ruled out before VAR awarded Morocco a penalty in the eighth minute of added time.
Unhappy with the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off the pitch in protest, forcing security officials to step in. After a delay, Senegal returned to the field, and Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, taking the match into extra time.
Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye then scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of the first half of extra time to secure the AFCON title.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has since condemned the incident, while CAF confirmed it is reviewing video footage and will forward the matter to its disciplinary bodies. If found guilty, Senegal could face fines or suspension for the walk-off.
