Rabat: Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title awarded to his country, taking a rare stand on sporting integrity following a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The decision comes after CAF retroactively declared Morocco champions of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, overturning the original result of the final against Senegal.
Morocco, hosts of the tournament and one of the favourites, featured a star-studded squad including Hakimi and Brahim Diaz. The final, played on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ended goalless in regulation time after a tightly contested encounter.
Controversy erupted in stoppage time when a VAR-reviewed penalty was awarded to Morocco following a challenge involving Diaz. Senegal players protested the decision and, after a request to review the footage was denied, briefly walked off the pitch in protest.
Led by captain Sadio Mane, the Senegal team returned to resume play after approximately 15 minutes. In extra time, Pape Gueye struck a decisive curling effort in the 94th minute to seal a 1-0 victory and what appeared to be Senegal’s second continental title.
However, nearly two months later, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodged an appeal, citing a breach of Article 84 of AFCON regulations concerning match abandonment.
On March 17, 2026, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in Morocco’s favour, awarding a 3-0 forfeit win and handing the North African nation their second AFCON crown since 1976.
The ruling has drawn widespread criticism across the continent, with observers arguing it undermines results achieved on the pitch. Senegal’s football authorities have since confirmed plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
Hakimi, 27, distanced himself from the decision, insisting Senegal were the rightful winners.
“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do the same. We had a chance but failed to win,” he said. “Senegal beat us fairly and deserved it. It would be unfair to take away their joy after the hard work they put in. I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy.”
The Paris Saint-Germain defender later reinforced his stance with a brief message on social media, stating: “Energy speaks, I don’t.”
Hakimi’s position is highly unusual in professional football, where titles awarded by governing bodies are almost always accepted without contest. His rejection has reignited debate over the balance between regulatory enforcement and sporting merit.
While Morocco impressed throughout the tournament, many analysts maintain that Senegal’s resilience and tactical discipline in the final justified their victory. CAF’s decision, however, has placed regulatory interpretation above match outcome, leaving fans and stakeholders divided.
Whether other Moroccan players or officials will follow Hakimi’s lead remains unclear, but his stance has intensified calls for greater transparency, accountability and consistency in decision-making within African football’s premier competition.
