Morocco’s football authorities have announced plans to pursue legal action following the chaotic and controversial Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, arguing that the decision by Senegal’s players to walk off the pitch disrupted the match and materially affected its outcome.
Senegal clinched the title with a 1-0 victory at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike in the 94th minute. However, the decisive goal came after a disorderly end to normal time that has since sparked widespread controversy.
Late in regulation time, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a video assistant referee (VAR) review penalised El Hadji Malick Diouf for pulling down Brahim Díaz while defending a corner. The decision provoked furious protests from Senegal, with most of their players walking off the pitch on the instructions of head coach Pape Thiaw.
The walk-off caused a delay of approximately 15 minutes before play resumed and Díaz was finally able to take the spot-kick. The Real Madrid forward attempted a Panenka, which was easily saved, before Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time.
In a strongly worded statement, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said it would seek redress from both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fifa.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and Fifa to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts,” the statement said.
“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added, reflecting Morocco’s belief that the prolonged interruption unsettled Díaz at a crucial moment.
Morocco head coach Walid Regragui was scathing in his assessment of Senegal’s conduct, accusing Thiaw of damaging the image of African football. “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful,” he said.
Thiaw later issued an apology, conceding that emotions had got the better of him. “After reflecting on it, I made them come back – you can react in the heat of the moment,” he told beIN Sports. “We accept the errors of the referee. We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done and now we present our apologies to football.”
Díaz, who finished the tournament as the top scorer, has taken personal responsibility for the missed penalty, describing the emotional toll it has taken on him.
“My soul hurts,” he said on Monday. “I dreamed of this title thanks to all the love you all gave me… Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart. It will be hard for me to recover, because this wound doesn’t heal easily… but I will try.”
CAF has since condemned Senegal’s walk-off, describing the conduct as “unacceptable” and “inappropriate,” and confirmed that it is reviewing match footage and official reports before referring the matter to its disciplinary bodies.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino echoed that stance, saying: “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.”
The controversy was further compounded by unsavoury scenes during the delay, including footage showing ball boys attempting to wrestle a towel from Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvan Diouf as he tried to pass it to Édouard Mendy in wet conditions. A Morocco substitute also appeared to intervene in an effort to prevent the towel from reaching Senegal’s goalkeeper.
With legal proceedings now being prepared, the fallout from one of the most turbulent Africa Cup of Nations finals in history shows no sign of easing.
