Post Final Fallout: Morocco Announces Legal Challenge, Orders Full Review of 2025 AFCON

Post Final Fallout: Morocco Announces Legal Challenge, Orders Full Review of 2025 AFCON

By Niyi Busari 

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced plans to convene a special meeting in the coming days to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco hosted, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement issued after its executive board meeting on Thursday, February 26, the federation confirmed that legal proceedings linked to incidents during the tournament’s final remain ongoing. The FRMF strongly criticized the sanctions imposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing them as “unfair,” and pledged to pursue the matter through official legal channels in defense of Moroccan football.

The controversy stems from events during the 2025 AFCON final against Senegal national football team. The match concluded amid tensions after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR)-confirmed penalty was awarded to Morocco in the closing stages. Senegal’s players reportedly walked off the pitch, while post-match disturbances involving sections of supporters led to acts of vandalism. Moroccan judicial authorities are currently handling cases involving 18 individuals in connection with the unrest.

CAF’s disciplinary measures included a two-match suspension for Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, a three-match ban and $100,000 fine for Ismaël Saibari, and a fine of approximately $315,000 imposed on the FRMF for various infractions. CAF also dismissed Morocco’s appeal concerning the match result, upholding Senegal’s status as champions.

During the meeting, FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa emphasized the importance of safeguarding Morocco’s international football standing in both the short and medium term, while also addressing the development of the domestic professional league. He described the current campaign as exceptional, with Morocco hosting multiple major tournaments, including AFCON, the African Nations Championship and the Arab Cup.

Abdel Salam Belkchour, head of the national professional league, presented proposed regulatory amendments covering league statutes, general assembly procedures, club licensing requirements and compliance audits. The executive board approved measures aimed at ensuring the national championship calendar remains on track despite the season’s demanding schedule.

The federation reiterated its commitment to institutional reform and legal recourse as it seeks to protect its competitive and administrative interests following the tournament’s contentious conclusion.