Morocco’s football federation said it will file formal complaints with FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Senegal’s walk‑off during Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, an unprecedented incident that overshadowed the West Africans’ 1–0 extra‑time victory.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said the Senegal team’s withdrawal from the pitch, triggered by a stoppage‑time penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review, significantly disrupted the normal course of the match and warranted disciplinary review by football’s governing bodies.
The federation stressed that the penalty decision was deemed correct by officiating experts and insisted the interruption materially affected players’ performance.
The dramatic protest followed a tense sequence in stoppage time marred by attempts to storm the pitch by groups of Senegalese fans who clashed with stewards and Moroccan security, injuring many.
Most criticism was directed at Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw who ordered his squad off the pitch, halting the final for approximately 14 minutes while confusion spread through the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Provocation started ahead of the match as Thiaw indulged in conspiracy theories instigating the Senegalese fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the match, sharply criticised the behaviour of Senegal’s coach players and sections of supporters, calling the scenes “unacceptable” and warning that walking off the pitch threatened the integrity of the sport.
“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” Infantino said, adding that violence and confrontation in the stands “have no place in football.”
He praised Morocco’s organisation of the tournament, calling the event a strong demonstration of the country’s readiness ahead of its role as co‑host of the 2030 World Cup.
CAF issued a stern statement condemning the “unacceptable behaviour” of Senegal’s players and officials during the final.
The African governing body confirmed it is examining complete footage of the incident and will refer the case to its disciplinary structures.
Despite Senegal’s victory, the team may face disciplinary measures following the walk-off. CAF’s ongoing review could lead to fines or suspensions, with head coach Pape Thiaw likely to come under scrutiny for ordering his players off the field.
Senegal’s star Sadio Mané later said Senegal would have been “crazy” not to complete the match, warning that the abandonment harmed the global image of African football.
