Speaking on the “After Foot” show hosted by Gilbert Brisbois, pundits emphasized that CAF simply applied its own regulations. “It is logical that the jury applies a fair rule, but this decision should have come earlier,” the program stated.
At the core of the ruling is a clear regulatory framework. By leaving the pitch during the final, the Sénégal triggered a disciplinary mechanism that leads to an automatic forfeit. CAF’s Appeals Jury enforced Articles 82 and 84, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.
For analyst Daniel Riolo, the case highlights a broader issue in modern football. He warned about the growing trend of teams walking off the pitch to protest refereeing decisions, calling it “a dangerous precedent” if not properly sanctioned.
Riolo also stressed that Morocco was fully within its rights to demand the enforcement of the rules. The Fédération royale marocaine de football formally challenged the situation, ultimately leading to the Appeals Jury’s ruling.
While the timing of the decision has been questioned, RMC Sport maintains that the outcome itself is legally sound. The case reinforces a key principle in football governance: regulations must prevail, regardless of match circumstances or emotional reactions.
