"Why a Warning Instead of a PK?" Morocco Appeals FIFA's 'Semifinal Decision'

Fouled by French Player, Boupal Falls but Receives Foul Instead of PK
Morocco Football Federation "Surprised No Video Review (VAR) Was Conducted"

Moroccan players showing disappointment. Photo by AP·Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the referee decisions in the World Cup semifinals. On the 16th (Korean time), FRMF announced on its official website that it had submitted a document to FIFA claiming unfair decisions were made during the 2022 Qatar World Cup semifinal match against France.

Morocco, the first African and Arab nation to reach the semifinals, lost 0-2 to France in the semifinal held on the 15th. They conceded the opening goal to Theo Hernandez in the 5th minute of the first half and then allowed a decisive goal to Kolo Muani in the 34th minute of the second half, ending their hopes of reaching the final.

After the semifinal, Morocco officially protested, stating they were disadvantaged by questionable decisions made by the head referee.

The issue raised by FRMF concerns an incident in the 27th minute of the first half. Trailing 0-1, Morocco launched a counterattack, and Soufiane Boufal was tripped by Hernandez’s right foot during a ball challenge inside the penalty area, causing him to fall.

However, the Mexican referee C?sar Arturo Ramos did not award a penalty kick and instead showed a yellow card to Boufal, declaring a foul by Morocco.

Regarding this, Chris Sutton, a commentator for BBC Sport in the UK, said, "It looked like a situation where Morocco should have been awarded a penalty kick. But the VAR did not operate." Rio Ferdinand, who formerly played for Manchester United, also stated, "I think it was a penalty rather than a foul by Boufal."

FRMF strongly protested Ramos’s decision not to award a penalty kick, saying, "It is very surprising that video assistant referee (VAR) was not used in this situation." They emphasized, "We urge FIFA to take necessary measures regarding the unfair decisions made in the semifinal and to ensure fair arbitration."

Meanwhile, Morocco will play the third-place playoff against Croatia on the 18th at midnight at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.