Morocco to seek CAF and FIFA ruling after Senegal walk-off in AFCON final

Morocco’s football federation has announced it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (Caf) and FIFA over Senegal’s decision to leave the field during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, saying the walk-off had a material impact on the result. Senegal won the match 1-0 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah after Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute.

The finish followed a VAR-reviewed penalty awarded to Morocco when El Hadji Malick Diouf was penalised for a pull on Brahim Díaz; most of Senegal’s players, on instructions from manager Pape Thiaw, walked off in protest and returned about 15 minutes later. Díaz then missed the spot-kick with a Panenka attempt.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said the penalty was “deemed correct by all experts” and that the walk-off “had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance.” Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticised Thiaw, saying: “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful.” Thiaw later apologised, telling beIN Sports: “After reflecting on it, I made them come back – you can react in the heat of the moment.” Díaz said: “My soul hurts” and apologised for his miss.

Caf described the walk-off as “unacceptable” and “inappropriate” and said it will review all footage and refer the matter to competent bodies. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.

Key Topics

Sports, Morocco Football Federation, Afcon Final, Rabat, Caf, Fifa