A French newspaper opens the case on the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and hints at severe penalties against Senegal.
The sports newspaper reported that the repercussions of the Africa Cup of Nations final between the Moroccan and Senegalese teams are still unfolding. It confirmed that the legal intricacies of the match might contain significant surprises, following the investigation launched by the Confederation of African Football in light of the events that transpired in the final moments of the game.
The newspaper stated that the CAF initiated an investigation following intense protests that accompanied the awarding of a penalty to Morocco after reviewing video footage, and the subsequent exit of several Senegalese players from the field in protest—a behavior described as “unprecedented” in a continental final.
The report emphasized that the temporary walk-off by players, which lasted nearly twenty minutes, constitutes a “clear violation of the disciplinary regulations,” highlighting that the return of the players to the field does not negate the offense, particularly since the referee did not grant any official permission to leave the pitch.
The newspaper also noted Morocco’s stance, indicating that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has filed an official complaint, aiming to activate legal texts that consider voluntary withdrawal as abandonment of the match, which could open the door to sanctions ranging from a forfeited match, hefty fines, to the potential withdrawal of the title if the violation is proven.
The report cited African legal sources asserting that the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations are clear in this matter, stating that the referee is the sole authority responsible for assessing the safety and conduct of the match, and any unilateral action by a team constitutes a serious infraction that cannot be justified by protest or anger.
The newspaper concluded its report by stressing that the anticipated decision from CAF will be a true test of the African Union’s strictness in enforcing discipline, noting that the Moroccan football community is eagerly awaiting a resolution, amidst a growing belief that what occurred in the final cannot pass without clear legal accountability.
