Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly distanced himself from the administrative outcome, emphasising that he does not recognise the awarded championship as legitimate.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who also captains the Atlas Lions, issued a statement rejecting the trophy and medal on grounds of sportsmanship. “My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do the same,” he said.
Hakimi stressed that Senegal beat them fairly on the field. While acknowledging respect for the CAF decision, he declared: “I didn’t win 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again.”
This position highlights a rare instance of a player prioritising on-pitch merit over official records.
Background to the controversial final
The January final in Rabat turned chaotic in stoppage time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a challenge on Hakimi. Replays suggested minimal contact, leading Senegal players to briefly leave the pitch in protest, causing a delay.
Play resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 in extra time. Initial CAF disciplinary measures included fines exceeding one million dollars and player suspensions but preserved the result.
Morocco appealed, and the CAF Appeal Board later invoked regulations, notably Article 84, to rule Senegal forfeited, flipping the score to 3-0 and crowning the hosts champions. Senegal has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
