New IFAB Rule Strengthens Morocco’s Case In AFCON Final Dispute

New IFAB Rule Strengthens Morocco’s Case In AFCON Final Dispute

By Niyi Busari 

Argentine sports daily Diario Olé has reported that recent disciplinary measures introduced by the International Football Association Board have strengthened Morocco’s case in the disputed Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Senegal, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The rule change, approved jointly by IFAB and FIFA on April 28, empowers referees to issue immediate red cards to players or officials who leave the field of play in protest against match decisions. The regulation is expected to come into full effect at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

According to Diario Olé, the updated law reinforces Morocco’s complaint over Senegal’s walkoff during the AFCON final, describing the action as unjustifiable under evolving football regulations.

The publication noted that IFAB—football’s law-making body, in which FIFA holds significant voting power—had taken a “key decision” to address acts of dissent that undermine match authority. The ruling follows closely on the controversy that marred the AFCON final, where Senegalese players reportedly exited the pitch without the referee’s authorization after a disputed penalty decision.

Had the rule been in force at the time of the January 18 incident, most of Senegal’s players—excluding Sadio Mané—would have received direct red cards, potentially resulting in an automatic forfeiture and handing Morocco the title.

This interpretation aligns with the findings of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board, which ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a serious breach of tournament regulations. The board’s decision effectively stripped Senegal of the title and underscored the need for stricter enforcement of discipline in high-stakes matches.

The case has since been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Senegal is challenging CAF’s ruling. Observers suggest that the tribunal is likely to uphold the decision, given the clarity of existing and newly reinforced regulations.

Diario Olé further argued that the link between the AFCON final incident and IFAB’s recent rule change is evident. The chaos that followed the penalty decision in Rabat, it said, highlighted the need for stronger deterrents against on-field protests.

Ultimately, the new measures introduced by IFAB and FIFA are aimed at ensuring discipline, reinforcing referees’ authority, and preventing emotional reactions from escalating into actions that disrupt the integrity of the game.