DZWatch Exclusive: The aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final continues to reverberate, with an incident involving Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy now potentially impacting Morocco’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup final as part of a joint effort with Spain and Portugal.
The controversy stems from footage showing Moroccan players, notably Achraf Hakimi and Ibrahim Salah, along with ball boys, seemingly attempting to prevent Mendy from drying his gloves before a penalty kick. This act has been widely criticized by European media outlets as unsportsmanlike and unbecoming of a major final.
Spanish media, in particular, has drawn a direct connection between the incident and Morocco’s chances of securing the coveted World Cup final. Reports suggest the event highlights a potential lack of control within the stadium environment, a critical factor in FIFA’s evaluation process when selecting the venue for the final match.
The involvement of ball boys has raised further concerns. Their participation in pressuring an opposing player is viewed as an organizational failure rather than simply individual misconduct, casting doubt on the overall level of control and discipline during high-pressure moments.
The presence of a high-profile player like Achraf Hakimi in the incident has amplified the criticism. European media argues that star players should represent their nations positively, not fuel doubts about their organizational and behavioral readiness.
As the competition intensifies between Casablanca and Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium to host the 2030 World Cup final, the ‘Mendy towel’ incident is seen as a potential advantage for the Spanish bid, which boasts a strong track record of successful event organization and impeccable conduct.
Observers suggest that a single moment on the pitch could undermine years of preparation, especially when it comes to a global decision where even the smallest details are scrutinized. The incident has undoubtedly added a layer of complexity to Morocco’s bid, raising questions about their ability to manage high-stakes events and maintain a fair and sportsmanlike environment.
