Pep Guardiola has expressed surprise at the decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final and award victory to Morocco national football team.
The ruling, which saw Morocco handed a 3–0 win after Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the match, has sparked widespread debate across the football world, drawing reactions from players, officials and coaches.
The Manchester City manager became the latest high-profile figure to comment on the controversy, questioning the circumstances surrounding the decision.
“IT’S A SURPRISE!
I don’t know the reason… but it’s a decision made behind the scenes.
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.”
CAF’s appeal board determined that Senegal had breached tournament regulations after players briefly left the pitch during the final in protest at a penalty decision. The governing body subsequently ruled the match forfeited, awarding Morocco the title under its rules.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some figures supporting the strict application of regulations, while others have raised concerns about fairness and the process behind the ruling.
Guardiola’s comments reflect a broader sense of unease among sections of the football community, as questions continue to be asked about how such decisions are reached and communicated.
The controversy surrounding the final has continued to escalate, with Senegal expected to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest authority in sports disputes.
For now, CAF’s decision remains in place, with Morocco officially recognised as champions. However, ongoing reactions from influential figures such as Guardiola underline the global attention the case has attracted.
As the situation develops, the focus is likely to shift towards any potential legal challenge and whether the ruling will ultimately be upheld or overturned, keeping the debate over governance and transparency in football firmly in the spotlight.
