Morocco's football federation has announced it will pursue legal action over the chaotic end to the Africa Cup of Nations final, claiming Senegal's walk-off affected the result. Senegal won 1-0 in Rabat, with Pape Gueye scoring the only goal after Morocco's Brahim Díaz missed a penalty.
The controversy began when referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. Senegal's players, instructed by manager Pape Thiaw, walked off in protest, causing a 15-minute delay. Upon returning, Díaz attempted a Panenka that was saved, and Gueye scored the winner soon after.
Morocco's federation stated: 'This situation had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance.' They will ask Caf and Fifa to rule on the walk-off. Morocco coach Walid Regragui criticised Thiaw, calling the image given of Africa 'shameful'. Thiaw later apologised, saying: 'We shouldn’t have done it but it’s done.'
Díaz apologised for his miss, saying: 'My soul hurts... I failed and I take full responsibility.' Caf described the walk-off as 'unacceptable' and will review footage for possible sanctions. Fifa president Gianni Infantino also condemned the behaviour, stating: 'It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner.'
