Tensions are escalating around the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), fueled by incendiary statements from Senegalese captain Kalidou Koulibaly. These remarks follow the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title and award it to Morocco.
In the lead-up to the friendly match between Senegal and Peru at the Stade de France, Koulibaly voiced his displeasure with the CAF's decision. According to reports from journalist JP Remy Ngone, Koulibaly stated, "We don't care about the CAF president and his judgment, Senegal is the champion of AFCON". He allegedly added, "If the Moroccans want the AFCON, they can go to the blacksmith to get one".
These declarations come amidst already strained relations between the two nations. Morocco had threatened legal action against any presentation of the trophy by Senegal during the match at the Stade de France. The Cherifian Kingdom contested the legitimacy of this presentation, arguing that the title had been reassigned by the CAF.
The CAF justified its decision by citing incidents that occurred during the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco. Senegalese protests, including a brief walk-off from the field, marred the match. The CAF deemed these actions a violation of regulations, resulting in a forfeit and the awarding of the title to Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has challenged this decision and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It denounces a decision without legal basis and accuses the CAF of manipulation. The case continues to spark passionate reactions and highlights the tensions within African football. CAS will now have to rule on the validity of the CAF's decision and determine who the true champion of AFCON 2025 is.
