Krépin Diatta has intensified the controversy surrounding the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after launching a sharp verbal attack at Morocco national football team over CAF’s decision to award the trophy to the Atlas Lions.
The dispute continues to divide African football after the Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal national football team of the AFCON crown despite their victory on the pitch and handed the title to Morocco. The case has since been referred to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a final ruling still pending.
However, Diatta made it clear that the Senegal camp still considers itself the rightful African champion and has no intention of recognising Morocco’s claim to the trophy.
Speaking in a recent statement, the AS Monaco FC midfielder mocked the situation and dismissed any suggestion that Senegal would surrender their winners’ medals.
“No medals will be handed back! If they want medals, they’ll just have to go to the blacksmith,” Diatta said.
The comments quickly sparked strong reactions across social media and African football circles, with supporters from both countries fiercely defending their national teams.
Diatta’s remarks reflect the lingering frustration within the Senegal camp, where many believe the team earned the title fairly on the field and should not lose it through administrative decisions.
The controversy has further fuelled the growing rivalry between Senegal and Morocco, two of Africa’s dominant football powers in recent years. While Morocco made history with their run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Senegal have remained among the continent’s elite following their AFCON triumph and consistent international performances.
With the case still before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Diatta’s latest comments are likely to add even more tension to one of African football’s most heated disputes in recent memory.
