Former international referee Mohamed Zekrini stated that stripping Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title and awarding it to Morocco is an event that has never occurred in the history of African or world football.
Zekrini explained on Wednesday that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has entered a dark tunnel from which it will not be able to emerge. He added that following the major scandals during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the ultimate disaster has now occurred with the decision to take the trophy from Senegal and give it to Morocco.
The former official added that CAF violated all football regulations by relying on Article 82, which stipulates that if a team leaves or withdraws from the pitch, it is disqualified and considered to have lost 3-0. However, Zekrini clarified that in the final between Senegal and Morocco, the Senegalese team did not leave the field or withdraw; instead, they resumed play and completed the match until the end.
During his remarks, the former international referee questioned how a team could be punished and stripped of a title after the trophy and medals had already been presented to the players on the field. He emphasized that these violations of African and international football laws are happening in full view of the world, simply by telling Senegal they lost the match 3-0.
Zekrini believes that following Senegal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), there will be a positive ruling in favor of the Senegalese national team, which earned the title through its performance on the pitch.
