The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has reportedly filed an official complaint with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following Morocco’s 3-2 loss to Nigeria in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The result was yet another heartbreaking finish for the Atlas Lionesses, who also fell short in the 2022 final on home soil, losing 2-1 to South Africa.
Controversy marred the final in the 82nd minute when, shortly after Nigeria equalised at 2-2, a shot by Nantes forward Imane Saoud struck the arm of a Nigerian defender inside the box.
Although the referee initially awarded a penalty, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, prompting outrage from the Moroccan bench and fans.
According to Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee, Antsino Twanyanyukwa failed to award a “clear” penalty. At the stadium, FRMF president Fouzi Lekjaa confronted Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa after the match, accusing her of misjudging the incident.
The altercation, which was captured live on air, saw FIFA President Gianni Infantino step in to urge calm and professionalism.
Allegations later surfaced from Arryadia TV director Hassan Boutabssil, claiming that the referee was shown only unclear angles of the incident and that clearer VAR footage was withheld.
Boutabssil stated that the FRMF would formally lodge a complain which have now been filed according to Morocco World News, describing the incident as a “refereeing scandal” that denied Morocco a rightful penalty.
Should the claims be substantiated, sanctions may follow for the VAR officials involved. But, the match result is expected to stand.
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