The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that it will resort to the legal channels approved by both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), against the backdrop of the Senegalese team’s withdrawal from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against the Moroccan team, and the accompanying events that affected the normal course of the match.
The university explained, in an official statement, that it would submit the file to the competent football bodies, following the withdrawal of the Senegalese team from the field after the referee awarded a penalty kick in favor of the Moroccan team, describing the decision as the correct penalty that was announced unanimously by the specialists, stressing that these developments had a direct impact on the course of the match and the reactions of the players.
Background controversy
The 2025 African Cup of Nations final in Morocco sparked a wide wave of controversy, against the backdrop of the events that accompanied the confrontation between the “Atlas Lions” and the Senegalese national team at Prince Moulay Abdullah Stadium in the capital, Rabat.
The Senegalese team was crowned champion after winning 1-0 in extra time, with a goal scored by Pape Gueye, in a match that was described as tense and witnessed many controversial decisions and events.
The match witnessed an unprecedented moment of protest, after the referee awarded a late penalty kick in favor of the Moroccan national team, which prompted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to drag his players to the locker room in protest against the decision.
After a long delay, the players returned to the field to complete the match, before Brahim Diaz missed the penalty kick in the 24th minute of stoppage time.
Thanks to the Moroccan fans
On the other hand, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation thanked the Moroccan fans who supported the national team throughout the tournament, whether through their intense presence in the stands or their continuous encouragement, praising their exemplary behavior and role in the success of the continental event.
The university also affirmed its commitment to continue working in accordance with the laws regulating international competitions, in a way that serves the development of Moroccan football and preserves the principles of integrity and sportsmanship.