Morocco officially file legal complaint against Senegal after AFCON 2025 final; FIFA guarantees action

During stoppage time of the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, Morocco were awarded a penalty after El Hadji Malick Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz. Senegal players, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, walked straight to the dressing room to protest the decision. After a 20-minute delay, Sadio Mane brought the team back onto the pitch.

Brahim Diaz then missed the penalty with a panenka attempt. Senegal later scored in extra time through Pape Gueye to secure a 2-1 victory and win the title. This marked Senegal’s second AFCON trophy, following their first triumph in 2021. However, after the match, Senegal faced criticism for leaving the field during a crucial moment.

One day after the final, FRMF filed a complaint against Senegal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that, in compliance with the legal procedures in force at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA)",

"It has decided to lodge an appeal regarding the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the stadium hosting the final match against the Moroccan national team, and the incidents that followed after the referee announced a valid penalty kick in favor of the Moroccan team, with the approval of all officials concerned. These events significantly affected the normal course of the match and the morale of the players.

"On another note, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to all Moroccan fans who remained loyal to the national team through their strong presence and exemplary support in all matches of the national team and the rest of the games. It also thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this continental championships".

In response, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that FIFA is urging CAF to resolve the issue. "The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures".

CAF also responded by saying it will "examine all the images and submit the case to the competent authorities so that appropriate action is taken against those convicted". Further details are expected to be announced in the coming days.