Morocco blames World Cup loss on 'grotesque' refereeing

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui. Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Morocco blames World Cup loss to France on 'grotesque' refereeing

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/15/22

Morocco is still seething two days following their World Cup semifinal loss to France, as the nation's Royal Football Federation has lodged an official complaint to FIFA regarding the officiating of the match.

The Morocco FA (FRMF) has submitted an official complaint to FIFA over what it describes as “grotesque” refereeing in their semi-final defeat to France.https://t.co/m7FPaH7St7
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 15, 2022

Per Kate Burlaga of The Athletic, the FRMF claims referee Cesar Ramos denied them two penalties in the first half. France won the match 2-0 on a Theo Hernandez goal in the fifth minute of play and an insurance tally from substitute Randal Kolo Muani in the 79th minute.

In the complaint, the FRMF added that they "will not hesitate to defend the rights of our national team, demanding fairness."

Argentina and France will play for the World Cup at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday. Croatia and Morocco will compete in the third-place match at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday.

The Moroccans have now played in six World Cup tournaments. This was the first time they advanced past the round of 16.

The French are the defending champions after defeating the Croatians in 2018.

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