Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy has launched a strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football following its controversial decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to the Morocco national football team.
The ruling, which came nearly two months after the final, has sparked widespread debate within African football, with Le Roy warning of reputational damage to the sport on the continent.
Shock decision raises questions
CAF’s decision to declare Morocco champions by default, with a 3-0 scoreline, marked a dramatic reversal of the outcome of the final match.
On the field, the Senegal national football team had secured a 1-0 victory after extra time in a tense encounter played in January.
The administrative ruling has since been described as unprecedented by observers, fundamentally altering the conclusion of the tournament long after its apparent end.
Le Roy’s strong reaction
Speaking to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Le Roy expressed disbelief at the governing body’s actions.
“I never imagined for a second that the African Union could go this far in its absurdity.”
He went further in his criticism, questioning the leadership of CAF under its president Patrice Motsepe, while also referencing Gianni Infantino.
“When you see how the African Union is run by Mr. Patrice Motsepe, who is a follower of Gianni Infantino, who wanted from the beginning to give this cup to Morocco…”
Despite acknowledging Morocco’s overall performance in the tournament, Le Roy maintained that the final itself had been decided on the pitch.
“Morocco had a great tournament and deserved to win, but in the final match the Senegalese team was the better team, and they won (1-0) after extra time.”
Concerns over governance and transparency
Le Roy also criticised what he described as inconsistencies in decision-making within African football.
“No one could have imagined hearing such a decision two months after the end, and over the years many refereeing decisions have been ignored within CAF.”
He continued his critique by raising broader concerns about governance and influence in the sport.
“I have spoken a lot about Infantino, who sees himself as the Trump of Africand: “I have spoken a lot about Infantino, who sees himself as the Trump of African football, and believes he has all the authority to run the final tournaments.”
“In Africa, he thinks he can get away with anything, and there are a lot of shady dealings and backroom deals.”
Dramatic final revisited
The original final between Senegal and Morocco had itself been marked by high drama.
Tensions escalated late in regular time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting anger among Senegal’s players and staff, who briefly withdrew from the pitch.
The situation was eventually defused after intervention from star forward Sadio Mané, who persuaded his teammates to continue.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the resulting penalty, before Senegal secured victory with a decisive goal in extra time.
Unresolved dispute
Le Roy suggested that the matter may not yet be settled, indicating that further legal action could follow.
“I believe this story is not over yet, and that Senegal will ultimately get its due in the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but what is happening is unfortunate for CAF’s image, and this decision will make the whole world laugh at African football.”
As debate continues, the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations highlights ongoing tensions over governance, fairness and credibility within the continental game.
