By Kwame Bediako
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has lodged an appeal with CAF and FIFA, urging them to strip Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following the final’s chaotic climax in Rabat.
Morocco claims Senegal’s 17-minute pitch walk-off during a heated penalty review violated rules on “withdrawal from play,” throwing the match into disarray at a pivotal second-half stoppage-time moment.
The hosts argue this unprecedented delay shattered the game’s rhythm and mental edge, directly leading to Brahim Díaz’s botched Panenka penalty, saved effortlessly by Édouard Mendy.
In their formal statement, the FRMF seeks an administrative overhaul: overturn the 1-0 extra-time result, sealed by Pape Gueye’s goal and award Morocco the trophy as deserving hosts.
The federation insists the disruption unfairly tilted the scales, turning a potential Moroccan triumph into Senegal’s controversial victory.
This bold move thrusts African football’s governing bodies into a high-stakes dilemma, testing enforcement of competition protocols.
Global heavyweights have piled on the criticism.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, witnessing the drama firsthand, branded Senegal’s protest “unacceptable” and a “shameful image for African soccer,” calling for harsh disciplinary measures.
CAF has acknowledged the complaint, promising a full evidence review and referral to its committees, while Senegal’s federation brushes it off as routine, with coach Pape Thiaw issuing a post-match apology for his emotional outburst.
