Idrissa Gueye has slammed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the controversial decision to strip the Senegal national football team of their Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to the Morocco national football team.
The ruling came after CAF’s appeal board overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory, citing a forfeiture after Senegalese players protested a late penalty decision by briefly leaving the pitch.
The Everton midfielder did not hold back in his reaction, insisting Senegal remain the rightful champions despite the administrative decision.
“This decision is just ridiculous. We won the game on the pitch, not in offices,” Gueye said.
“We deserve this trophy… everyone knows what happened.”
CAF ruled the protest as a breach of regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and handing them the continental title—an unprecedented move that has triggered widespread backlash.
Gueye questioned the impact of such decisions on African football’s credibility.
“Africa doesn’t need this type of decision… it affects how AFCON is viewed globally,” he added.
Despite the controversy, the 36-year-old was keen to stress that relations between both nations remain strong.
He referenced his friendship with Morocco international Adam Aznou, insisting the situation has not created any animosity.
“We are all brothers… no one can push me to hate Morocco’s people,” he said.
While Senegal are expected to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, attention will soon turn to preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga have been drawn alongside the France national football team and the Norway national football team, setting up a challenging path on the global stage.
For Gueye and his teammates, however, the belief remains unchanged—they are still Africa’s true champions, regardless of the decision made off the pitch.
