AFCON Final Fallout: Fouzi Lekjaa insists Morocco has strong defence

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, has defended Morocco’s claim to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, insisting that the decision rests on solid legal grounds backed by what he describes as conclusive evidence.

After weeks of intense legal and media debate following the controversial final, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has reaffirmed its position, maintaining that its right to the continental crown is fully justified through documented proof and official records.

Speaking last Thursday in comments reported by FootMercato, Lekjaa stated, “Morocco has convincing and documented arguments. All elements related to the incident are accurately documented, whether through official reports or video recordings, in full compliance with applicable laws.”

He further stressed that Senegal’s temporary exit from the pitch during the final had been formally established. “The withdrawal of the Senegalese national team is officially confirmed, based on the referee’s report, in addition to the existence of recordings that document the moment of withdrawal and the circumstances surrounding it,” he said.

According to Lekjaa, this development falls under Article 84 of the Confederation of African Football’s disciplinary code, a provision that ultimately underpinned the ruling in Morocco’s favour.

He also explained that Morocco chose to resume the match after the interruption to avoid potential sanctions that could have been imposed for refusing to continue.

The final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, held in Rabat between Morocco and Senegal, was marked by dramatic and contentious scenes. Senegal had taken the lead in extra time, but tensions escalated late in regular play when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review.

The decision sparked strong protests from Senegalese players, leading to a brief walk-off at the instruction of their coach. The situation was eventually calmed by captain Sadio Mané, allowing the players to return to the pitch. Brahim Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, and the match ended 1-0 in favour of Senegal on the field.

However, nearly two months later, the CAF Appeals Committee ruled in favour of Morocco after reviewing the protest filed by the Moroccan federation. The committee determined that Senegal’s actions constituted a withdrawal and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, officially handing them the title in line with Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations.

The Senegalese Football Federation has since rejected the verdict, describing it as “unfair and unprecedented,” and confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.