The Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title continues to spark strong reactions in the African football community. Sports journalist and analyst Nabil Djellit has voiced his outrage at the decision, calling for a change in leadership at the head of African football's governing body.
In an interview with Mc-foot, Djellit did not mince words after the announcement that Senegal would be stripped of the title in favor of Morocco. "CAF has brought out the nuclear weapon. This is a momentous decision that must be taken seriously," he declared. He added, "Beyond this controversial final, African football is completely adrift. It is time for the Motsepe era to end. African football has never been so politicized".
This statement refers to Patrice Motsepe, the South African businessman who has served as CAF president since March 2021. Elected unopposed, Motsepe was re-elected for a second term in March 2025. His tenure has been marked by efforts to improve CAF's finances and raise the standard of African football.
CAF's decision to strip Senegal of the title follows incidents that occurred during the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat, Morocco, on January 18. Senegal won the match 1-0 after extra time, but the match was marred by protests and interruptions. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) filed a complaint with CAF, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations.
CAF's Appeals Board ultimately sided with Morocco, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match and awarding the victory to Morocco by a score of 3-0. CAF justified its decision by citing regulations stating that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field before the end of the match without authorization is considered to have lost.
The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly contested this decision, calling it "unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable" and announcing its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Meanwhile, the controversy continues to grow, with many voices rising to denounce the management of African football and call for profound changes within CAF. "So surreal to see this decision two months later," commented Nabil Djellit, highlighting the late and unexpected nature of the decision.
CAF declared that Senegal forfeited the match, thus awarding Morocco the title of AFCON 2025.
