Morocco Lodges Complaint to CAF
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Morocco Lodges Complaint to CAF Over WAFCON Final Controversy
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has taken bold action after a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Nigeria in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final. In the aftermath of the loss, Morocco lodges complaint to CAF, accusing referees and VAR officials of unfair decisions that changed the game.
🔹 Why Morocco Lodges Complaint to CAF
FRMF’s protest focuses on two critical incidents in the match:
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82nd-Minute Handball Appeal
Morocco appealed for a penalty after the ball struck a Nigerian defender’s arm in the box. VAR checked the incident but the referee waved play on. Moroccan officials said the referee saw only two limited angles, which denied a proper review. -
63rd-Minute Penalty for Nigeria
Earlier in the second half, Nigeria won a penalty that shifted momentum in their favor. FRMF believes the decision was harsh and changed the flow of the match.
These moments convinced FRMF to file a protest with CAF. They insist the officiating and VAR procedures failed to protect fair play.
🔹 Moroccan Officials React
Head coach Jorge Vilda expressed frustration but stayed composed after the match.
“We gave everything. Small decisions made the difference, and we just wanted fairness on the field,” Vilda said.
FRMF representatives confirmed that Morocco lodges complaint to CAF to demand accountability. They argue that better VAR coverage could have changed the final’s outcome.
Fans also support the move. Social media flooded with messages calling the officiating “unfair” and backing the decision to file a complaint with CAF.
🔹 Match Recap
The final offered drama and heartbreak for Moroccan fans:
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Venue: Rabat Olympic Stadium
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Halftime: Morocco 2 – 1 Nigeria
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Full-time: Nigeria 3 – 2 Morocco
Morocco led at halftime after an inspired first-half performance. Nigeria responded with a strong second half and scored twice to seal the victory. The late denied penalty left the home side feeling wronged. Within hours, Morocco lodged complaint to CAF, determined to make their concerns heard.
🔹 What This Means for African Football
By taking this step, Morocco lodges complaint to CAF not just to contest one game but to push for higher standards. Their protest raises key issues:
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VAR Transparency: Referees need access to clear camera angles for critical decisions.
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Referee Accountability: Mistakes should lead to reviews and possible sanctions.
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Confidence in Competitions: Teams and fans must trust that results come from fair play.
Morocco will host AFCON 2025 and co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. FRMF’s protest signals they expect CAF to meet the highest standards before those global events.
🔹 Final Thoughts
The WAFCON 2025 final will be remembered for its drama on and off the pitch. Morocco lodges complaint to CAF to defend its team and demand transparency. Whether CAF takes strong action or not, this protest has already sparked debate about officiating and fairness in African football.
