Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, cautioning that a ruling in favour of Senegal could create a dangerous precedent in football.
Senegal, who won the final against Morocco on the field, were later stripped of the trophy by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Committee after a series of refereeing disputes led the Lions of Teranga to temporarily walk off the pitch during the match. CAF subsequently awarded the title to the host nation, Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has now appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to reclaim the trophy.
The final verdict from CAS is expected to determine the rightful champions of one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.
Reacting to the case, Wenger expressed his concern about the broader implications of reversing CAF’s decision.
“If the Court of Arbitration for Sport awards the cup to Senegal, this will send a message to all national teams and clubs that they can go out for 18 minutes and then come back,” Wenger said.
He added: “This is pure nonsense and something that is completely unlikely. I think CAS will not deviate from the appeal ruling.”
The dispute has ignited debate across African football, with fans, pundits, and former players closely monitoring the legal proceedings.
Wenger’s comments underline a common concern, which is allowing a temporary walkout to influence the outcome of a continental tournament could encourage disruptive behaviour in future competitions.
The original incident occurred during the 2025 AFCON final at Morocco’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Senegal initially took a 1-0 lead, but disagreements with refereeing decisions prompted some players to leave the field for nearly twenty minutes.
CAF later ruled that this constituted a forfeit, reversing the match to a 3-0 victory for Morocco and awarding them the title.
CAF’s decision sparked outrage in Senegal and among African football supporters, with calls for a fair and consistent disciplinary framework.
