---

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially announced it will advance a formal complaint to both CAF and FIFA following an unprecedented mid-match walk-off by the Senegalese national team during Sunday’s final.

The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, remained a tense 0-0 deadlock deep into second-half stoppage time. The atmosphere turned explosive in the 98th minute when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after a VAR review. The decision followed a challenge by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz.

Furious at the decision—and still reeling from a goal of their own being disallowed moments earlier—Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch in a collective protest that brought the continental final to a grinding halt for nearly 20 minutes.

A Missed Opportunity and a Bitter End

While Senegal eventually returned to the field—reportedly at the urging of captain Sadio Mané—the damage to the match’s rhythm was done. In a moment that will be replayed for years, Brahim Díaz attempted a Panenka penalty, only for it to be easily caught by Senegal’s Edouard Mendy.

The Teranga Lions capitalized on the shift in momentum, with Pape Gueye scoring a stunning long-range goal in the 4th minute of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory for Senegal. Despite the trophy presentation, the Moroccan federation remains steadfast that the walk-off was an illegal breach of sportsmanship.

The FRMF Statement

In a strongly worded communique, the FRMF asserted that the referee’s decision was “unanimously agreed upon by experts” and that the withdrawal of the Senegalese team “significantly impacted the normal flow of the match.”

The federation’s legal pursuit argues that the 16-minute delay unfairly disadvantaged the home side. Morocco is seeking sanctions for the abandonment of play, which typically carries heavy penalties under FIFA and CAF statutes. In that same vein, they add that it led to chaotic scenes in the stands where clashes occurred between fans and security during the stoppage.

Reactions from the Touchline

Moroccan head coach Walid Regragui did not mince words after the final whistle, calling the walk-off “shameful” and a blow to the image of African football. Meanwhile, Senegal’s Pape Thiaw offered a partial apology, citing the heat of the moment and a feeling of injustice regarding previous officiating calls.

CAF has confirmed it is reviewing all match footage and will refer the incident to its disciplinary bodies.