Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has criticized the CAF for controversially awarding the AFCON 2025 trophy to Morocco.
Guardiola expressed his disbelief:
“It’s a surprise! I don’t know the reason, but it’s a decision made behind the scenes,” the Premier League manager said in a press conference.
“What happens everywhere is what we see; it didn’t just start now. It always happens behind the scenes, and we don’t see their faces.”
His comments echo widespread frustration among football fans worldwide, highlighting the controversy as a global discussion, not just an African issue.
The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has stated that, aside from refusing to return the trophy, they have no intention of paying the $10 million fine imposed by CAF as part of the ruling.
Senegal has referred the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Also read: Eric Chelle Drops Osimhen, Nwabali for Friendlies Against Iran and Jordan
FSF General Secretary added in a statement:
“CAF is rotten. The reactions worldwide after this decision confirm total indignation. The fight is far from lost. I want to reassure all Senegalese people: Senegal has the right on its side and victory with it. The cup will not leave the country.”
Reports indicate that, according to L’Equipe, Morocco appears to be the only African nation publicly accepting CAF’s judgment as legitimate, while the dispute continues to stir controversy across the continent.
