The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FMRF) has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding referee Cesar Ramos’ performance during Morocco’s World Cup semi-final loss to France.
Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani’s goals on Wednesday helped the defending champions France advance to their second straight World Cup final, and Morocco lost 2-0.
The Moroccan players were first irate when winger Sofiane Boufal collided with Hernandez in the France box, which led to a number of contentious decisions during the game.
Before booking Boufal, the referee decided to give Les Bleus a free kick rather than giving a penalty to Morocco, which infuriated Walid Regragui’s team.
Selim Amallah, a substitute, was then knocked to the ground in the France area as he awaited the delivery of a free kick, but Ramos once more declined to give a spot-kick or even request a VAR review.
The FMRF said in its statement: “The FMRF has written to the relevant body to review the refereeing decisions that deprived the Moroccan team of two penalties that were indisputable in the view of several refereeing specialists.
“The FMRF was equally astonished that the video assistant referee (VAR) did not react to these situations.”
By becoming the first African team to make it to the World Cup final four, Morocco created history there.
The Atlas Lions have a chance to end the tournament on a high in Saturday’s third-place play-off against Croatia, despite their heartbreaking semi-final defeat.
Following France’s loss, right-back Achraf Hakimi maintained his optimism by writing on Twitter: “We gave it all. The dream of a team, of a whole country, is over.
“But we have to be proud of what we have done. We fought until the last second and we leave with our heads held high.
“We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support.”
