Morocco are seeking to have Senegal stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded the trophy following the chaotic final in Rabat, an explosive report by a top global broadcaster has claimed.
According to the report by beIN SPORTS, the Qatari based outfit with insider information on Moroccan football, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) will be asking FIFA and CAF to overturn the result of Sunday’s final and award them the trophy.
The report confirmed that the FRMF report will be seeking to grab the boardroom points as the dispute over Senegal’s walkout moves decisively from the pitch to the disciplinary arena.
FRMF confirmed it will file formal complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s decision to leave the field in protest during the final constituted a withdrawal from play that fatally disrupted the match and breached competition regulations.
Earlier reporting had suggested Morocco’s legal move was largely symbolic, with no clear indication of what outcome the hosts were pursuing.
However, beIN SPORTS now reports that Morocco’s intention is explicit: they want the final outcome overturned through disciplinary procedures, with Senegal potentially stripped of the title they won 1–0 after extra time.
Penalty flashpoint triggered walkout
The dispute stems from events late in regulation time, when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw reacted angrily to the decision and ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest.
The match was suspended for more than ten minutes, with Senegal initially remaining near the touchline before retreating to the dressing room. Moroccan players stayed on the field, awaiting the penalty, as officials attempted to restore order.
When play eventually resumed, Brahim Díaz missed the spot-kick after a lengthy delay. Senegal went on to win the match in extra time, but the final was overshadowed by scenes that drew condemnation from football authorities.
The FRMF argues that the interruption fundamentally altered the contest.
“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the walk-off of the Senegalese national team from the field during the final against the Moroccan national team,” the federation said in a statement.
“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added, insisting that the penalty decision itself was “deemed correct by all experts”.
CAF and FIFA condemn conduct
CAF has confirmed it is reviewing footage from the final and that the matter will be referred to its disciplinary bodies. While the governing body did not explicitly name Senegal in its initial statement, it condemned what it described as “unacceptable behaviour” by players and officials.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was more direct, criticising both the walkout and the disorder that followed.
“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands,” Infantino said. “It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport.
“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”
Senegal are now expected to face disciplinary proceedings, although CAF has not yet indicated what sanctions may follow or whether the match result itself could be reconsidered.
Morocco push for administrative ruling
According to beIN SPORTS, Morocco’s legal strategy centres on competition regulations governing match abandonment and player withdrawal. The FRMF contends that Senegal’s absence from the field — even though temporary — meets the threshold for a serious infringement that could warrant sporting sanctions.
If CAF’s disciplinary bodies accept that interpretation, Morocco believe the final could be decided administratively rather than by the result on the pitch.
That position marks a significant escalation from earlier perceptions of the complaint. A previous Reuters report noted it was “unclear what Morocco wants to achieve” beyond formal protest. The beIN SPORTS clarification now removes that ambiguity.
Senegal stance and potential sanctions
Senegal eventually returned to the pitch following intervention from senior players, including Sadio Mané, and went on to secure their second AFCON title. Head coach Pape Thiaw later apologised for his actions, admitting the decision to leave the field had been taken “in the heat of the moment”.
CAF has yet to determine whether that apology mitigates the alleged breach.
Security concerns were also raised during the stoppage, with Senegal supporters attempting to enter the field of play before being restrained by stewards.
The episode has left CAF facing a delicate decision: balancing disciplinary consistency with the integrity of a tournament already concluded.
For now, Senegal remain champions — but Morocco’s determination to challenge the result means the final outcome of AFCON 2025 may yet be decided far from the pitch, in committee rooms rather than stadiums.
As beIN SPORTS reports, the battle for the trophy is no longer only about football — it is about interpretation of the laws that govern it.
