During the
final of the tournament, contested between
Senegal and
Morocco, the score remained level at 0–0 for most of regulation time. In the fifth minute of stoppage time, referee
Jean-Jacques Ndala whistled a foul during a buildup that led to Senegal scoring what seemed initially as a valid goal by
Ismaïla Sarr.
Abdoulaye Seck had come into contact with
Achraf Hakimi after which the latter fell to the ground.
VAR could not be consulted since the "goal" was scored after the referee's whistle. A few minutes later, in the eighth minute of stoppage time,
Brahim Díaz was held by Senegalese defender
El Hadji Malick Diouf, an action that was sanctioned as a penalty kick after VAR review. Disagreeing with the referee’s decisions, Senegal head coach
Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave the pitch in protest. The match was suspended for approximately 15 minutes, after which the Senegalese players returned to the field. It was during the VAR review and while play was suspended that unrest broke out among fans in the stands behind the goal of Moroccan goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou. Several Senegalese
hooligans attempted to storm the pitch while throwing chairs and other objects. Clashes erupted with stewards and security personnel, many being hit and kicked by the hooligans. Later, police in protective gear gathered in front of the affected stands and carried out charges. Police and stewards eventually formed a barrier separating those supporters from the rest of the crowd until after the match was over. The match eventually resumed while tensions remained evident on the other side of the field of play. Brahim Díaz took the penalty, but his attempt was saved by Senegal goalkeeper
Édouard Mendy, and regulation time ended with the score still tied at 0–0. At least one steward was seriously injured and had to be taken off on a stretcher, prompting concern and circulating social‑media claims that the steward might have died. However, Moroccan authorities, including the
General Directorate for National Security, denied that any steward or stadium worker had died as a result of the clashes, stating that no such fatality was recorded and that reports of a death were false. In total, 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian fan were arrested in connection with the disturbances. The defendants will stand trial at the Rabat First Criminal Court, facing multiple charges, including participating in violent acts during a sporting event, forcibly entering the pitch, damaging sporting facilities, assaulting law enforcement officers and public forces, throwing objects, causing harm and throwing liquids, causing damage. The day after the final, the
Royal Moroccan Football Federation announced that it would file a complaint against Senegal with
FIFA and
CAF, alleging that the events prior to the penalty kick "affected the normal development of the match and the performance of the players". On the same day, CAF released a public statement condemning "the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials" during the final.
Gianni Infantino reacted on these events condemning "the behaviour of some "supporters" as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members". All available footage is being reviewed and will lead to appropriate action. == Disciplinary ruling ==