Moroccan FA to Take Legal Action With CAF and FIFA Over AFCON Final Stoppage
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) has announced plans to pursue legal action with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA following the stoppage in play during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a statement released on Monday, the Moroccan FA said the interruption, caused by Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch, had a negative impact on the Atlas Lions during Sunday’s final.
According to the federation, the controversial incident followed the referee’s decision to award Morocco a late penalty — a call it insists was valid and later supported by a broad panel of refereeing experts. Senegal’s players subsequently walked off the field in protest, halting the match for several minutes.
The RMFF argued that the stoppage disrupted the rhythm of the game and adversely affected the concentration, morale and performance of Moroccan players at a critical stage of the final.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will take legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the withdrawal of the Senegal national team from the final match against the Moroccan national team, and the incidents that accompanied it, following the referee’s decision to award a valid penalty unanimously agreed upon by the officials,” the statement read.
“These events had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the morale of the players.”
Despite the controversy, the Moroccan FA struck a conciliatory tone towards supporters, expressing gratitude for their backing throughout the tournament.
“On another note, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to all Moroccan supporters who remained loyal to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all matches of the national team during this tournament,” the statement continued.
“The Federation also thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this continental championship.”
The announcement adds another chapter to the fallout from a dramatic and contentious AFCON final, which has already drawn criticism and scrutiny from football authorities and fans across the continent.
