AFCON 2025: Morocco set to sue Senegal regarding the withdrawal of their players in the final

Senegal secured the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy on Sunday, defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final.

The decisive moment came in extra time, shortly after a dramatic penalty miss by Morocco's Brahim Diaz, when Pape Gueye of Villarreal scored a spectacular match-winning goal for Senegal in injury time.

The final included a controversial moment, resulting in the Senegalese players walking off the field.

Following the incident that happened in the final moment of the game, the FRMF have released a statement.

The statement reads, as posted in X, “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will pursue legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA regarding the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the final match against Morocco, and the events that ensued after the referee awarded a penalty kick, which was deemed correct by all experts. 

“This significantly impacted the normal flow of the match and the players' performance. Furthermore, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere gratitude to all Moroccan fans who remained loyal to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all of the national team's matches and other tournaments.

“The Federation also thanks everyone who contributed to the success of this continental championship.”

In the 92nd minute of injury time, a potential winning goal for Senegal was disallowed by the referee for an alleged foul. 

The tension escalated just three minutes later, in the 95th minute, when Morocco was awarded a penalty at the opposite end of the field. 

Following the call, Senegalese players, on instruction from their head coach, proceeded to walk off the pitch in protest of the decision.