🇲🇦 Morocco to File VAR Complaint over WAFCON Final Loss to Nigeria

 

Morocco Coach

The Moroccan Football Federation is escalating its protest to CAF after controversial VAR decisions marred their WAFCON final clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.

Zig Diaries Sports
Date: Monday, 28 July 2025
Time: 15:19 WAT
Location: Rabat, Morocco

Morocco’s football authorities are set to lodge a formal protest to CAF over alleged VAR irregularities that may have altered the course of the WAFCON 2025 final.

Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) is preparing to file an official complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), citing alleged Video Assistant Referee (VAR) manipulation during their 3–2 loss to Nigeria in the WAFCON final.

The controversy erupted during the second half when a potential penalty call in Morocco’s favour was dismissed without a proper on-field review. The FRMF claims critical VAR footage showing a Nigerian handball was intentionally withheld from the referee.

Director of national broadcaster Arryadia TV, Hassan Boutabssil said, “The FRMF will file an official complaint with CAF. VAR deliberately deprived Morocco of a clear penalty. Replays broadcast on television showed the handball incident clearly, but the referee was only shown two blurred angles.”

Boutabssil added that a clearer video, captured from behind the goal, was never shown to the referee — raising suspicions of tampering.

Mounting Frustration Across Morocco

Fans and analysts across North Africa have flooded social media with clips of the incident, demanding accountability from CAF. Many believe Morocco were robbed of an equalising opportunity in what would have been a historic WAFCON victory on home soil.

Although CAF has not yet issued a formal response, disciplinary actions could follow against VAR officials if the FRMF’s claims are substantiated. Still, the result of the final is unlikely to be reversed under current CAF regulations.

A disappointed Moroccan fan said outside Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, “Even if sanctions are imposed, they won’t reverse the result. But justice must still be served.”

Recurring Questions About VAR in African Football

This isn’t CAF’s first VAR-related controversy. Past tournaments, including the CAF Champions League and AFCON editions, have raised doubts about equipment quality, operator training, and real-time decision-making.

Moroccan captain Ghizlane Chebbak and other players have urged CAF to conduct a transparent review. “We want answers, not excuses,” one player said after the match.

The FRMF is expected to submit its evidence within 48 hours, including enhanced footage and technical reports. How CAF responds may define the credibility of VAR across future African tournaments.

🏷️ Tags: Morocco FA, VAR, CAF, Super Falcons, WAFCON 2025, African football

#WAFCON2025 #VARControversy #CAFReferees #AtlasLionesses #SuperFalcons #WomensFootballAfrica