Didier Deschamps says he was “surprised” by the decision of Confederation of African Football to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
The ruling, delivered by CAF’s Appeals Committee, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the final played on 18 January, instead awarding Morocco a 3-0 win by default following a breach of tournament regulations.
Speaking at a press conference, the France head coach reacted cautiously but made clear his disbelief at the timing and nature of the decision.
“I’m like most of you: surprised. This decision comes two months after the end of the tournament… Well, it’s certainly surprising, I won’t say more,” the French coach, Didier Deschamps said.
The controversy stems from a dramatic final in Rabat, where Senegal initially triumphed after extra time. The match had been overshadowed by a 17-minute stoppage, during which Senegal’s players briefly refused to continue after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco.
Play eventually resumed, with Brahim Diaz missing the resulting penalty before Pape Gueye scored what proved to be the winning goal in extra time.
However, CAF later ruled that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the pitch constituted a violation of its regulations.
According to the governing body, Article 82 states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s permission forfeits the match.
As a result, Article 84 was applied, leading to Senegal being declared losers.
The decision has triggered widespread debate across the football world, with many questioning both the timing and implications of such a significant reversal after the conclusion of the tournament.
The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly rejected the ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” and has confirmed plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has dismissed allegations of favouritism and insisted the organisation remains committed to fairness.
He added that CAF will respect whatever outcome emerges from the legal process.
Despite the governing body’s stance, the episode has raised fresh concerns about consistency in the application of football regulations, particularly in major continental tournaments.
For Morocco, the decision officially secures the 2025 AFCON title, marking a historic moment for the Atlas Lions.
For Senegal, however, the battle now shifts from the pitch to the courtroom, with the final chapter yet to be written.
