Morocco will seek to have Senegal stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title following the chaotic scenes that disrupted the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat.
According to a report by beIN SPORTS, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) intends to file complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s temporary walkout during the final amounted to a withdrawal from play.
Morocco believes that breach of competition regulations should result in the final being decided administratively, with the trophy awarded to the hosts.
Senegal won the final 1–0 after extra time, but the match was overshadowed by a 17-minute stoppage late in normal time after a contentious penalty decision.
The chaotic moments came when Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw was seen on camera signaling his players to leave the pitch in protest against the decision.
Play was halted for about 17 minutes as Senegal’s players gathered near the touchline before briefly returning to the dressing room. They were eventually brought back Sadio Mane.
When the match resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty after the prolonged delay. Senegal later scored the winning goal in extra time to secure their second AFCON title.
In a statement, the FRMF said it would ask CAF and FIFA to rule on what it described as Senegal’s “walk-off from the field of play”, arguing that the incident had a “significant impact on the normal course of the match”.
The Moroccan federation insists the penalty decision itself was correct and says the disruption altered the rhythm and psychological balance of the contest.
Earlier reports had suggested Morocco’s protest was largely symbolic. However, beIN SPORTS now says the federation’s intention is explicit: to seek the overturning of the result through disciplinary procedures.
CAF has confirmed it is reviewing footage from the final and that the matter will be referred to its disciplinary bodies. While it did not name Senegal directly, the organisation condemned what it called “unacceptable behaviour” during the match.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also criticised the scenes.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said. “We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game.”
CAF has not yet indicated what sanctions may follow or whether the result of the final itself could be reconsidered.
Senegal eventually returned to the pitch following intervention from senior players, including captain Sadio Mané. After the match, Thiaw apologised, saying the decision to leave the field had been taken “in the heat of the moment”.
Security concerns were also raised during the stoppage after Senegal supporters attempted to enter the pitch, only to be restrained by stewards.
Ballboys were also captured on camera dragging Senegal goalkeeper on the pitch in an attempt to take the goalkeeper’s towel.
Meanwhile, Senegal returned to Dakar to a heroic welcome. Tens of thousands of Senegalese joined the players in a victory parade through some of the capital’s principal streets before the players eventually met President Faye and his cabinet.
The president had earlier met the team at the airport when they touched down on Monday morning.
On behalf of the state, President Faye gave each player $135,000 in cash and 1,500 land for the tournament success.
