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Morocco to launch legal proceedings after controversial incident African Cup of Nations (African Cup) Sunday final, opponent Senegal plays a walk-off game Protesting penalty decisions before ultimately claiming victory.
Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal after overtime in a dramatic decider in Rabat.
However, the home side were awarded a late penalty at the end of normal time and had a golden opportunity to lift the trophy.
Senegal’s players stormed off the pitch after a VAR review resulted in a penalty being awarded to striker Brahim Diaz after his shoulder was pulled. A 14-minute delay ensued and Senegal eventually returned to see Diaz misses crucial penalty.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF) has confirmed its intention to take legal action against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.
RMFF declared in a statement: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will take legal action against the Confederation of African Football and FIFA to rule on the issue of the Senegalese national team leaving the field in the final against the Moroccan national team and the events surrounding this decision, after the referee made a decision that all experts believe is correct.”
“This situation has had a significant impact on the normal conduct of the game and the performance of the players,” the federation added.
Although the specific purpose of Morocco’s complaint, other than to formally challenge the result, is unclear, the incident prompted strong condemnation from football’s governing body.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Confederation of African Football have both criticized the behavior of Senegal’s players and coaching staff, claiming violence and departures have no place in the sport.
“We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the pitch and in the stands – we strongly condemn the behavior of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff,” Infantino said.
He continued: “It is unacceptable to leave the field in this manner and, equally, violence will not be tolerated in our sport and it is simply not right. We must always respect the decisions made by match officials on and off the field. Teams must play on the field and within the rules of the game as any other behavior puts the very essence of football at risk.”
CAF confirmed it was reviewing the footage and would take disciplinary proceedings, condemning the “unacceptable conduct of some players and officials”.