‘A complete joke’: African legends unite against CAF’s AFCON title reversal

African football legends have united in a chorus of condemnation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The contentious decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it instead to Morocco after a controversial final has sparked a storm of outrage across the continent.

The ruling was seen as a “disgrace” and has prompted concern over what many perceive as a dangerous precedent that shifts the legitimacy of football victories from the pitch to the boardroom. Leading the outcry was George Weah, the iconic Liberian footballer and the only African recipient of both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards, who unequivocally denounced CAF’s decision on his social media channels.

“In football, the Laws of the Game are clear: the referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match,” Weah asserted.

Once play is permitted to continue and the match concludes, the result on the field must stand. His appeal underscores the view that CAF’s regulations align with international standards, under which referees hold ultimate decision-making authority during matches.

Senegal won the final, and Weah asserts that CAF cannot retroactively alter the result once the match ended. “I call on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to move decisively so that this travesty does not stand,” he urged, rallying support for the original victors.

Frustration was palpable among other football greats, with Senegal-born Patrice Evra expressing disbelief at the unfolding events. The former Manchester United and Juventus star, in a passionate social media post, labelled the scenario as a “disgrace,” stating, “We all saw Senegal win. It’s a scandal.”

Evra lamented that the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations has lost credibility: “Two months later, they announce that Morocco are champions… I thought it was an April Fool’s joke.” He concluded with unwavering support for Senegal, declaring, “The real champions are Senegal, and they always will be.”

Egyptian former striker Mido echoed similar sentiments, condemning CAF for the upheaval it has brought upon African football. “CAF is a complete joke! This decision to take the Cup away from Senegal is the biggest scandal in the history of football,” he declared vehemently.

Mido warned of the divisions this ruling could sow across the continent, stating, “We look like idiots, a corrupt continent. Africa deserves better. There needs to be a revolution in African football.” Despite his condemnation, Mido clarified his respect for Morocco, stating, “I love the country and its people… but you lost on the pitch.”

Cameroonian football legend Roger Milla, never one to shy away from controversy, also expressed his disbelief at the ruling. “It’s a disgrace, it’s nonsense. We’ve never seen anything like it,” Milla said, questioning the implications of awarding medals retrospectively. “What do we do with the medals? Do we give them back? It’s a way of asking footballers to no longer give any consideration to the AFCON.”

As the outcry continues, many within the football community are left wondering about the governance of African football and its ability to uphold the integrity of the game. The chorus of dissent from these iconic figures marks a pivotal moment in the sport’s history, urging all stakeholders to reflect on the future of African football.