CAF in Turmoil: Morocco-Senegal Final Refereeing Scandal Reignites

The case, pitting the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has taken on an unprecedented legal dimension. Mr. Safari confessed to deliberately avoiding booking the Senegalese players despite a 15-minute stoppage in play. This walkout, which occurred after a penalty was awarded to Morocco, should have led to immediate disciplinary sanctions under the regulations in force.

Sports dispute: Court of Arbitration for Sport seised of CAF’s “admissions”

These revelations constitute a strong argument for Morocco before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The FRMF argues that the refereeing team’s passivity distorted the course of the final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex in Rabat. CAF regulations do provide for firm measures in cases of interference with the continuity of play—provisions that appear to have been ignored in favor of “diplomatic” management of the match.

On Bladi.net : AFCON 2025 Refereeing Scandal: New Revelations Put CAF Under Pressure

Beyond refereeing, the case submitted to the CAS also includes acts of violence reported in the stands involving Senegalese supporters. These incidents, widely condemned by leading figures in continental football, tarnish the image of this 2025 edition, won on the pitch by Senegal (1-0 after extra time). The judges in Lausanne must now determine whether these shortcomings justify a review of the sanctions or the results.