Lekjaa: Morocco Has ‘Conclusive Evidence’ in AFCON 2025 Final Case

Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), has expressed confidence as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) begins handling the dispute between Morocco and Senegal over the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The case stems from Senegal’s appeal against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal panel, which awarded Morocco victory on the green carpet after the Lions of Teranga briefly left the pitch during extra time of the final, a match Morocco had initially won 1-0.

Lekjaa insists Morocco has ‘convincing and documented arguments’ to support its case. He explained that official reports and video recordings confirm Senegal’s withdrawal from the field, reinforcing Morocco’s claim under CAF regulations.

He pointed specifically to Article 84 of the CAF disciplinary code, which stipulates that any team leaving the pitch before the end of a match must be sanctioned with a defeat.

The Moroccan leader also highlighted the controversial intervention of Olivier Safari Kabene, then president of the CAF referees commission, who allegedly instructed match officials not to sanction Senegalese players with yellow cards upon their return to the pitch, despite several being at risk of expulsion. Lekjaa argued that this interference prevented Senegal from being penalized appropriately.

On the other side, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) remains calm, maintaining that the referee’s authority on the field is paramount.

Senegal’s officials argue that the match was completed despite the interruptions, and therefore the result should stand.