CAF Decision On AFCON Title Has ‘Scarred And Blemished' African Football

Former World Footballer of the Year George Weah has launched a scathing criticism of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.

Weah, a former Ballon d’Or winner and former President of Liberia, warned that the ruling has dealt a serious blow to the credibility of African football, questioning both its sporting and legal foundations.

“This decision has further scarred and blemished African football, undermining confidence in the fairness, consistency and integrity of the game on the continent,” he said in a strongly worded statement.

The controversy stems from the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on 18 January, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The match was briefly interrupted when Senegal players walked off in protest over contentious refereeing decisions, including a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco.

Captain Sadio Mané eventually led his team back onto the pitch, and the match was completed, with Morocco’s Brahim Díaz having earlier missed from the spot.

However, CAF’s Appeals Board later nullified the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing Senegal’s conduct during the match.

Weah strongly opposed the decision, invoking the FIFA Laws of the Game, which grant referees final authority over match proceedings. He argued that once a match is completed under the referee’s supervision, its outcome should not be overturned administratively.

“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” Weah stated. “There is no sporting justification to nullify a match that was completed in accordance with the referee’s authority.”

He also dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting he supported CAF’s disciplinary ruling, describing them as “blatantly false” and urging those spreading such reports to desist.

Senegal has declared their intention to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a move Weah has publicly backed.

“I call on the Court of Arbitration for Sport and other relevant authorities to act decisively so that this travesty does not stand,” he added.

The dispute has continued to generate widespread debate across the football world, raising fresh concerns about governance and disciplinary consistency within the African game.