Morocco will pursue legal action over the outcome of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final, where opponents Senegal walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded against them but later returned to win the match.

Morocco were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Senegal in the decider in Rabat, but the hosts had a chance to win the trophy with a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time.

Senegalese players stormed off in protest after a VAR decision to hand Morocco a spot kick for a tug on the shoulder of striker Brahim Diaz, who then squandered the kick after having to wait some 14 minutes before the Senegal side returned.

“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, as well as on the events surrounding this decision, following the referee’s awarding of a penalty that was deemed correct by all experts,” a statement said.

“This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance,” it added.

It is unclear what Morocco wants to achieve with their complaint, other than being seen to formally remonstrate over the outcome of the match.

Earlier on Monday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF condemned the behaviour of Senegal players and members of the coaching staff after the chaotic scenes, saying violence and walk-offs had no place in football.

“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members,” Infantino said.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner and, equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport; it is simply not right.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. 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 said it was reviewing footage and that disciplinary proceedings will follow, adding that it “condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials”.

-Reuters

CAF Africa Cup of Nations – Morocco 2025 – Final – Senegal v Morocco – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco – January 18, 2026 Senegal fans react in the stand after Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review REUTERS/Stringer TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.

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On the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Prince Moulay Rachid, on Monday, received the members of the Moroccan national football team, finalists of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat.

The Prince was welcomed by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Head Coach of the national team, Walid Regragui, and the Atlas Lions players and officials, before posing for a commemorative photograph to mark the occasion.

The royal reception underscored the High Benevolence with which the King has consistently surrounded Moroccan youth, and his firm commitment to their development through sport. It also highlighted the special importance the Sovereign attaches to football as a strategic sector for national progress and international influence.

Shortly after the AFCON final against Senegal, His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a message of congratulations to the team, praising their outstanding campaign and exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

In his message, the King noted that the Atlas Lions, through their “distinguished journey at AFCON Morocco 2025,” had demonstrated that “perseverance, seriousness and team spirit are the path to achieving performance,” while presenting “to the world an example of what Moroccan and African youth can achieve when they trust in their talents and abilities.”

The Sovereign further commended the players’ determination and heroic performance, stressing that their achievements validated Morocco’s strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising national infrastructure.

“You have also proven, through the determination and the heroic and honourable performance you displayed, the importance of our strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising the Kingdom’s infrastructure, which has demonstrated its resilience and world-class level of preparedness in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup,” King Mohammed VI said.

Morocco finished as runners-up at AFCON 2025, reinforcing the country’s growing stature as a football powerhouse and a leading sporting destination on the African continent.

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Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was roundly jeered and then walked out of his scheduled post-match press conference as the drama of Sunday’s contentious Africa Cup of Nations final continued well after the final whistle.

Thiaw ordered his players off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before they returned to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the trophy.

Thiaw had been expected to explain his decision at the post-match press conference, but when he entered the room, the coach was jeered by Moroccan journalists while their Senegalese counterparts clapped.

Failure by officials to quieten a rowdy room led to Thiaw leave.

The Senegal coach was central to the farcical scenes that clouded the final and could face heavy sanctions from the Confederation of African Football.

The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time.

But Senegal reacted angrily to the decision and walked off, some players going down the tunnel and into their changing room. It took 14 minutes before they returned and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s poorly taken Panenka-style chipped spot kick.

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