The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) has announced its intention to pursue legal action with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA following the prolonged stoppage in play during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In an official statement, the Moroccan FA said the disruption significantly affected the Atlas Lions during the decisive moments of the final, arguing that the interruption undermined the rhythm, concentration, and overall performance of the players.

According to the federation, the incident occurred after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty late in the match, a decision it said was later validated unanimously by a panel of refereeing experts.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will take legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the withdrawal of the Senegal national team from the final match against the Moroccan national team, and the incidents that accompanied it, following the referee’s decision to award a valid penalty unanimously agreed upon by the officials,” the statement said.

“These events had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the morale of the players.”

The AFCON final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026, unfolded under cold and rainy conditions, with tensions boiling over in the closing stages of regulation time.

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a contentious penalty in the 90+8 minute after a VAR review, moments after a Senegal goal had been ruled out in the 90+2 minute. In protest, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw briefly led his players off the pitch, delaying the match by nearly 20 minutes.

Play eventually resumed, and the dramatic finale saw Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy save a Panenka-style penalty from Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz with the final kick of the match. The miss sent shockwaves through the stadium and across social media, with fans worldwide, including US-based streamer IShowSpeed, reacting live.

While some online speculation suggested that Díaz’s failed penalty may have been an attempt to avoid further controversy and protect the image of African football, the player’s visible distress and the immense pressure on him to end Morocco’s 50-year AFCON title drought cast serious doubt on such claims.

Beyond the controversy, the Moroccan FA expressed gratitude to the home supporters and all those who contributed to the tournament’s success.

“On another note, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to all Moroccan supporters who remained loyal to the national team through their massive attendance and exemplary support in all matches of the national team during this tournament,” the statement added.

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