AFCON final chaos: Morocco plans to protest Senegal's controversial walk-off

RABAT – Morocco plans to file formal complaints with CAF and FIFA following the controversial finish to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, in which Senegal left the field in protest before eventually claiming a 1-0 extra-time victory.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) said in a statement on Monday that the withdrawal of the Senegal national team, ordered by coach Pape Thiaw after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco, disrupted the normal course of the match and affected player morale. 

The federation confirmed it would ask the relevant bodies to review the incidents and take appropriate action.

FIFA and CAF condemn the walk-off

The walk-off drew sharp criticism beyond Morocco. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called Senegal’s actions “unacceptable” and urged teams to respect the decisions of match officials. Posting on Instagram, he said: “The ugly scenes witnessed [Sunday] must be condemned and never repeated … 

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

CAF echoed the sentiment, describing the behavior of some players and officials as unacceptable and announcing a review of match footage to determine disciplinary action. Senegal coach Thiaw could face sanctions, although it remains unclear whether any potential ban would apply solely to African competitions or extend to the World Cup in North America, where Senegal will face France and Norway in June.

Chaos on and off the pitch

The controversy began when Senegal had a stoppage-time goal disallowed and Morocco were awarded a penalty after a video review determined Brahim Díaz had been fouled in the box. Thiaw instructed his players to leave the field, delaying the game for nearly 15 minutes. During the suspension, some Senegal supporters clashed with police and threw chairs onto the field.

When play resumed, Díaz’s penalty — a slow Panenka-style chip — was easily saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Extra time followed, and four minutes in, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal for Senegal to secure their second continental title.

Reactions from Morocco

Morocco coach Walid Regragui condemned the incidents, calling them a “shameful” image for African football. Regragui defended Díaz, noting that the extended delay may have affected his execution of the penalty. Díaz also issued a statement expressing personal disappointment: “Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility.

“I apologize from the bottom of my heart … I will keep going forward until one day I can give you all this love back and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people.”

The FRMF extended thanks to supporters who remained loyal to Morocco throughout the tournament, acknowledging their contribution to the team’s performance and the overall success of the event.