Morocco federation backs Wydad after VAR controversy

by Staff Reporter

Monday Jun 03, 2019. 12:14

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) have stated that they will back Wydad Casablanca following the club’s controversial loss to Esperance de Tunis in the CAF Champions League final this past weekend.

Friday night’s second leg in Rades saw Esperance claim a 1-0 win to take the tie 2-1 on aggregate and retain their continental championship – though only after the game was abandoned.

Wydad were left furious after referee Bakary Gassama didn’t consult VAR to review a possible equaliser from Walid El Karti. The goal was ruled out for offside, but replays suggested the decision may have been overturned on review.

It was later revealed that the technology wasn’t operational, which led to the Moroccans refusing to return to the pitch to restart the game.

In response, the Moroccan federation – which had a meeting between their administrative office and representatives of Wydad – has issued the following resolutions:

- “Unconditional support from the federation to Wydad in this case as they prepare for the CAF meeting scheduled for June 4.”

- “Mailing FIFA about this case backed by all objections and documents and to resort to the Court of Arbitration for Sports if need be.”

The course of action to be taken by Wydad and the FMRF will be revealed in the coming days.