The Royal Morocco Football Federation (FMRF) has lodged a complaint to FIFA over referee Cesar Ramos’ performance during their World Cup semi-final defeat to France.
Morocco lost Wednesday’s game 2-0 after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani sent reigning champions France through to a second consecutive World Cup final.
However, there were a number of contentious decisions during the match, with Morocco’s players incensed when winger Sofiane Boufal collided with Hernandez in the France box.
The referee opted to award Les Bleus a free-kick instead of a Morocco penalty before booking Boufal, provoking a furious reaction from Walid Regragui’s men.
Substitute Selim Amallah was later dragged down in the France area as he awaited a free-kick delivery, although Ramos once again chose not to award a spot-kick.
“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 organization said in a statement.
“The FMRF was equally amazed that the video assistant referee (VAR) did not react to these situations.”
Morocco made sporting history in Qatar by becoming the first African team to reach the final four of a World Cup.
Despite their heart-breaking semi-final loss, the Atlas Lions have a chance to finish the tournament on a high in Saturday’s third-place play-off against Croatia (2am Sunday AEDT).
Right-back Achraf Hakimi remained positive after the France defeat, declaring 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,” he wrote.
“We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support.”
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