Morocco Petitions CAF, Wants WAFCON Trophy Withdrawn From Nigeria and Transferred to Them Over Plumptre, Alozie, VAR – Igbere TV
InfoSport: Morocco petitions CAF to withdraw WAFCON trophy from Nigeria, challenging match officiating and player eligibility in a controversial final.
Morocco’s Formal Protest
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has filed a formal petition with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn Nigeria’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory. Following a dramatic 3-2 loss in the final, Morocco is challenging both the match officiating and the eligibility of key Nigerian players, seeking the trophy’s transfer.
Controversial Officiating and VAR Decisions
In a detailed 19-page protest document, the FRMF denounced what it called “systematic refereeing injustices” during the final held in Rabat. A significant point of contention stems from the 82nd-minute reversal of a penalty awarded to Morocco. Referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa of Namibia overturned her decision after a VAR review, despite Moroccan claims that a Nigerian player had handled the ball.
Hassan Boutabssil, Director of Morocco’s Arryadia TV, labeled the VAR intervention as manipulated, stating crucial evidence was “withheld” from the referee, which denied Morocco a chance to regain the lead.
Eligibility Issues
Moreover, Morocco has revived a pre-final eligibility complaint against Nigerian defenders Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie. Although FIFA had previously cleared Plumptre based on her Nigerian grandfather, the FRMF is alleging “documentary irregularities.” They assert that Nigeria should be retroactively disqualified, declaring: “Victory achieved through ineligible athletes and compromised officiating cannot stand.”
Response from Nigeria
CAF has acknowledged receipt of the protests and will discuss the matter in its disciplinary committee. In contrast, Nigeria’s Football Federation (NFF) dismissed the complaints as “sour grapes,” asserting that their title was rightfully earned on the pitch.
Conclusion
This controversy casts a significant shadow over Nigeria’s historic triumph, as African football braces for what promises to be a contentious legal battle regarding the continent’s most prestigious women’s trophy. Fans and stakeholders alike are now eagerly watching how CAF will handle these serious allegations. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
