The Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage time. With the match still goalless before 66,000 home fans, Senegal believed Ismaila Sarr had scored a winner, only for referee Jean Jacques Ndala to reveal he had already blown for a Moroccan free-kick. After a VAR review, Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 98th minute, and tempers boiled over. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led some players and staff down the tunnel, while supporters clashed with security.
Play resumed, and in the 124th minute Brahim Diaz failed to convert a Panenka-style penalty for Morocco, sending it into the arms of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Pape Gueye's extra-time strike then gave Senegal a 1-0 win and their second title. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) quickly complained to the Confederation of African Football (Caf), citing Article 82, which says a team leaving the field without the referee's authorisation shall be considered the loser.
In March, a Caf appeals board agreed, ruling that Senegal had forfeited and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. Senegal's federation (FSF) called the ruling "unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable" and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), which is based in Lausanne and deemed the supreme arbiter for recognising governing bodies. A three-member panel, led by Frenchman Gerald Simon, will hear the case.
Caf president Patrice Motsepe said the body would respect whatever Cas decides, meaning the outcome could force changes to the Afcon rulebook. The walk-off has already prompted a change in football's laws, as Ifab said a referee may now show a red card to any player who leaves the field in protest.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing