Former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has strongly criticised the decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the result of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, describing it as damaging to the credibility of African football.
An extraordinary turn of events unfolded on Tuesday, March 17, when CAF’s Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final played on January 18, despite originally winning the match 1–0 after extra time. The ruling means Morocco are now officially recognised as champions, with the match recorded as a 3–0 victory in their favour.
The decision followed an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which challenged the initial sanctions handed down by CAF’s Disciplinary Committee. The Moroccan federation argued that the earlier measures against Senegal were insufficient.
CAF’s Appeals Committee subsequently applied Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, concluding that Senegal’s conduct warranted forfeiture of the match. The governing body confirmed that, under these rules, the result would be amended to award Morocco the title.
The ruling has triggered sharply divided reactions across the football world. While celebrations have erupted in Morocco, the decision has been met with widespread anger in Senegal and concern among football observers globally.
Among the most prominent voices to speak out is Drogba, who did not hold back in his assessment of the situation.
“This kind of thing only happens in Africa. I doubt it will happen again at the Euros. It’s a disgrace for Africa and for football. A country like this should never host football tournaments again. Senegal is the real winner, we all know it.”
His comments reflect a broader unease about the implications of the decision, particularly regarding governance and consistency in African football competitions.
Drogba is not alone in his criticism. Other well-known figures in international football, alongside several foreign media outlets, have also questioned the fairness of the ruling, with some describing it as controversial and damaging to the sport’s image.
The case has reignited debate over how football authorities handle disciplinary matters, especially when decisions made off the pitch overturn results achieved during play. For many critics, the situation raises concerns about transparency and the long-term credibility of major tournaments on the continent.
Despite CAF’s ruling, the matter may not yet be settled. The Senegalese Football Federation is reportedly considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which serves as the highest authority for resolving international sports disputes.
If the case proceeds to CAS, its decision would be final and binding, potentially bringing closure to a dispute that has already drawn global attention.
For now, however, CAF’s verdict stands, with Morocco officially crowned African champions. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to unfold, with stakeholders across the football world closely watching what happens next.
The outcome of any further appeal could prove significant, not only for the teams involved but also for the reputation of African football on the international stage.
