The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced it will take legal action against football's governing bodies in the wake of the chaotic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The decision comes after the Senegalese national team staged a dramatic walk-off in protest during the match, which Morocco hosted in Rabat.
Chaotic Finale in Rabat
With the score locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time on Monday, 19 January 2026, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review. The decision, following a foul on Brahim Diaz by defender El Hadji Malick Diouf, sparked immediate fury from the Senegalese camp.
Led by coach Pape Thiaw, most of the Senegal players left the pitch in protest. The walk-off followed another contentious moment minutes earlier, when a headed goal from substitute Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck. Anger also spilled into the stands, with some Senegalese supporters attempting to storm the pitch from behind one of the goals.
After a delay of approximately 14 minutes, the players were persuaded to return by captain Sadio Mane. Moroccan playmaker Brahim Diaz then saw his penalty saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, sending the match into extra time.
Legal Fallout and Official Condemnation
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the FRMF declared its intent to "pursue legal action" with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. The federation seeks an official ruling on Senegal's withdrawal from the field, arguing it "had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players' performance."
The statement emphasised that the penalty decision was "deemed correct by all experts," framing the walk-off as an unacceptable disruption. The FRMF also thanked the Moroccan public for their support during the tournament.
Global and continental football authorities were swift to condemn the events. FIFA President Gianni Infantino labelled the scenes "unacceptable," stating, "It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport." He stressed the importance of respecting match officials' decisions.
CAF confirmed it is "reviewing all footage" and will refer the matter to its competent bodies for "appropriate action" against those found responsible.
Senegal Triumph Amidst Controversy
Despite the extraordinary disruption, Senegal secured their second AFCON title. The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of extra time, when midfielder Pape Gueye fired a left-footed shot into the top corner to win the match 1-0.
Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, expressed profound disappointment. "We are really disappointed for all the Moroccan people," he said. "When you get a penalty in the last minute, you can see victory very close, but in the end football catches up with you." He congratulated Senegal but lamented the disappointing spectacle.
The FRMF's legal move sets the stage for a protracted off-pitch battle, as football's authorities grapple with the fallout from one of the most controversial endings to a major tournament final in recent history.
