The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has opted to postpone its ruling on the appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) concerning the sanctions imposed following the controversial finale of the Africa Cup of Nations. This decision introduces a new chapter of uncertainty into a saga that has gripped the football community.
That final match, a crucible of high tension, was marred by a series of extraordinary incidents. In a dramatic protest against the awarding of a penalty kick to Morocco’s Atlas Lions, the players from Senegal staged a walk-off from the pitch. Following a period of confusion and negotiation, the Senegalese squad subsequently returned to the field to complete the contest, an episode that left an indelible mark on the tournament’s conclusion.
Internal Divisions and a Deferred Verdict
According to reports from the Moroccan publication “Al-Montakhab”, the CAF Appeals Committee has deferred its final judgment. The committee will await the proceedings of the CAF Executive Committee’s upcoming meeting, scheduled for next Friday. This procedural delay suggests the complexity and sensitivity surrounding the case.
The same source, Al-Montakhab, further indicates that the sanctions against Morocco have ignited significant discord within the highest echelons of African football’s governing body. The report points to substantial and vehement disagreements among the members of the CAF Executive Bureau, revealing a fractured consensus in the aftermath of the disciplinary actions. The coming executive committee meeting is now poised to be a critical forum where these internal tensions may be addressed, directly influencing the ultimate resolution of the Moroccan federation’s appeal.