The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has confirmed plans to file a formal complaint following the disputed withdrawal of the Senegal national team from the African Cup of Nations final venue, an incident that has sparked intense debate across African football.
In a statement issued on Monday, the federation said the decision comes after legal steps taken by the Confederation of African Football and the International Federation of Association Football, as investigations into the dramatic final continue.
The federation said the Senegal team walked off the pitch just before Morocco’s appearance, setting off a chain of events that disrupted the match and affected the players. According to the RMFF, the situation escalated after the referee awarded a penalty kick, which the federation insists was correctly given.
The penalty decision, the statement said, was "valid" and "unanimously confirmed by the officials."
The federation said the withdrawal and the incidents that followed had a direct impact on how the match unfolded and on the mental state of the Moroccan players.
"The events significantly affected the normal course of the match and the morale of the players," the federation said.
The controversy unfolded during the highly anticipated AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat. Senegal’s decision to leave the field after the penalty ruling brought the match to a halt and triggered immediate reactions from fans, officials, and football bodies.
CAF and FIFA later opened reviews into the matter, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation said its complaint is part of these ongoing legal procedures.
Despite the tension surrounding the final, the federation took time to thank Moroccan supporters for their loyalty throughout the tournament, praising their presence and conduct in the stands.
"We extend our sincere thanks to all Moroccan supporters who remained loyal to the national team through their strong attendance and exemplary support throughout all the national team's matches and the rest of the games," the statement said.
The federation also recognized the efforts of all those involved in hosting the tournament, stressing the need for unity and cooperation within African football.
As investigations continue, the federation called for respect for the game and for the players who represent their countries on the continental stage.
The RMFF said the controversy has drawn attention well beyond Morocco, placing African football under close global watch and raising fresh questions about discipline, fair play, and respect for match officials.
The federation’s move to lodge a formal complaint adds another layer to the ongoing review of the AFCON final, as CAF and FIFA work toward deciding the next steps.
As the football community awaits clarity, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation said the events of the final underline both the challenges faced during the tournament and the strong support shown by Moroccan fans and players.
The dramatic ending to the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 tournament has continued to fuel discussion across the continent and beyond, with many now looking to CAF and FIFA to bring resolution to one of the most controversial finals in recent memory.
