AFCON Final Chaos: Lekja Reveals Why Morocco Refused To Walk Away

AFCON Final Chaos: Lekja Reveals Why Morocco Refused To Walk Away

Sampson Adedeji

President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekja, has explained why Morocco agreed to continue the Africa Cup of Nations final despite the temporary withdrawal of Senegal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The dramatic incident occurred after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco, prompting the Senegal national football team, also known as the Teranga Lions, to walk off the pitch in protest.

However, after a 17-minute stoppage, the Senegalese side returned to the field, allowing the match to resume amid heightened tension.

Speaking on the development, Lekja clarified that Morocco had no option but to continue with the game due to existing regulations governing such situations.

According to him, refusing to resume the match would have amounted to a breach of the rules, potentially leading to sanctions, including forfeiture.

“The Moroccan national team agreed to continue the final match despite the events of the withdrawal because that was a purely legal option,” Lekja stated. 

“We could not refuse to resume the match, as that would have exposed us to penalties for withdrawal under the applicable regulations.”

The incident has since sparked widespread debate across the African football community, with questions raised over officiating decisions and the conduct of both teams during one of the continent’s biggest football events.