Morocco lodge complaint to FIFA over World Cup clash against France, call for rematch

Morocco have lodged a complaint to FIFA regarding the officiating during their World Cup semi-final clash against France.

The defending champions sealed their place in Sunday’s final against Argentina after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani earned them a 2-0 victory.

Morocco have now expressed their anger over some of the decisions made by referee, Cesar Ramos during the match.

One incident, in particular, attracted the most attention. In the first half, Hernandez and Moroccan winger Sofiane Boufal collided inside the France penalty area, Boufal was booked by Ramos.

However, replays seem to show that Hernandez was the one making contact with Boufal and Moroccan fans were adamant that they should have been awarded a penalty.

A statement from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation read: “The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) strongly protested against the arbitration of the Morocco-France match officiated by Mr. Cesar Arturo Ramos. To this end, the FRMF sent a letter to the competent body in which it returns to the arbitration situation which deprived the Moroccan selection of two indisputable penalties in the opinion of several arbitration specialists.

“The FRMF also expressed its great astonishment that the Video Assistance to Arbitration (VAR) system did not react to these arbitration situations. The FRMF recalls that it will spare no effort to defend and preserve the rights of the National Selections by advocating fairness in arbitration and by denouncing these arbitration decisions taken during this semi-final confrontation of the World Cup. of FIFA Qatar 2022.”

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Some fans took to social media to demand a rematch.

One said: “We demand rematch between Morocco and France.”

Another tweeted: “It was not fair for our team the whole Moroccan country is sad.”

France will now take on Argentina on Sunday at the Lusail Stadium, kick-off will be at 3pm UK time.