Morocco to take legal action after Senegal walk-off in AFCON final
Morocco are not willing to let the events of last night's AFCON final pass quietly
The Moroccan Football Federation is to take legal action following the shambolic scenes that overshadowed the end of the AFCON final against Senegal last night.
Morocco had the chance to win the game, staged on home territory in Rabat, in stoppage time when Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was adjudged to have pulled Brahim Diaz in the area when jostling at a corner. The incident came just minutes after Senegal had what appeared a legitimate goal ruled out by referee Jean Jacques Ndala for an apparent shove on Achraf Hakimi by Abdoulaye Seck.
Senegal were furious and coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players from the field before Diaz had the chance to score the spot-kick.
After a 17-minute delay, the Senegal team re-emerged for what was the last kick of the game. Unbelievably, Diaz attempted a Panenka but only succeeded in chipping the ball tamely into the hands of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
The game, therefore, went into extra-time with Senegal scoring the only goal courtesy of Pape Gueye’s thunderbolt.
It was a chaotic ending and did little for the credibility of African football.
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Morocco to sue
Morocco now want to escalate the matter and confirmed today they would be seeking damages for Senegal’s walk-off.
In a statement, the Moroccan FA said: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces it will utilise the legal rules of CAF and FIFA over the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team during the AFCON 2025 final against Morocco.
“The move, triggered after a penalty was awarded [confirmed as correct by experts], disrupted the normal flow of the match and impacted player performance.
“Morocco insists that the matter be addressed through official channels to protect the integrity of African football.”
AFCON Final Coverage
Match Report
Mendy rubbishes suggestions Diaz missed penalty on purpose
Thiaw apologises to football for Senegal walk-off
Watch as Morocco players and ballboys try to steal Mendy’s towel
CAF launch investigation