Morocco FA President Explains AFCON 2025 Final Decision After Senegal Walkout
The President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, has provided a detailed explanation regarding Morocco's decision to continue playing in the AFCON 2025 final following Senegal's controversial walkout during the match. This incident has now escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sports after conflicting rulings from CAF's disciplinary bodies.
The Controversial AFCON 2025 Final Incident
On January 18, 2026, the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal was dramatically disrupted when Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala's decisions. The walkout occurred minutes after Ndala disallowed a Senegal goal and subsequently awarded a penalty to Morocco.
Despite the walkout, Senegal captain Sadio Mane intervened after consulting with former players Mamadou Niang, Claude Le Roy, and El Hadji Diouf, convincing his teammates to return to the field and complete the match. Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the crucial penalty, sending the game into extra time where Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, securing Senegal's second AFCON trophy.
CAF's Investigation and Subsequent Appeals
The Confederation of African Football conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, resulting in fines for both federations and suspensions plus fines for Thiaw and several players. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed this decision with four specific requests, two of which were rejected by CAF.
In a surprising turn of events, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the initial ruling, stripping Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title and awarding Morocco a walkover victory. This decision sparked widespread reactions across the African football community and prompted the Senegalese Football Federation to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
Lekjaa's Legal Justification for Continuing Play
President Fouzi Lekjaa has expressed strong confidence in Morocco's position at CAS, citing comprehensive evidence including official reports and video footage documenting the entire incident. "Morocco has strong and documented arguments regarding what happened in the final," Lekjaa stated in an interview with Al3omk. "All elements of the incident were recorded precisely, through official reports and video footage, in full respect of the regulations. The withdrawal of the Senegal team is officially established."
Addressing criticism that Morocco violated the legal principle "quod approbo non reprobo" (that which I approve, I cannot disapprove) by agreeing to continue the match after Senegal's withdrawal, Lekjaa provided a compelling legal argument. "Morocco had to accept the resumption of the game," he explained. "Refusing to continue would have exposed us to the same sanctions under the regulations. We were legally bound to continue as we did not want to violate the same regulations that apply to Senegal."
CAF President's Message and Ongoing Proceedings
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has assured the Senegalese Football Federation that the continental football body will respect whatever decision emerges from the Court of Arbitration for Sports, even if it overturns the Appeal Board's judgment. This assurance comes as both nations await a final verdict from the highest sports arbitration body.
The case represents one of the most significant controversies in recent African football history, with implications for tournament regulations, disciplinary procedures, and the interpretation of sports law principles. As the proceedings continue at CAS, football authorities across Africa are closely monitoring the outcome, which could establish important precedents for handling similar incidents in future competitions.
