Former Manchester United star Patrice Evra criticizes CAF after Senegal are stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has labeled the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) ruling to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title a “disgrace” to African football.
The controversy stems from the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, briefly walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco. After a 15-minute delay, play resumed, Senegal scored in extra time through Pape Gueye, and initially celebrated a second AFCON title.
However, two months later, CAF controversially awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, overturning the result and sparking outrage across the footballing world.
Evra, reacting via Instagram, condemned the decision:
“It’s a disgrace for African football, a scandal. The Africa Cup of Nations has lost all credibility.”
“Two months later, they announced that Morocco are champions. I thought it was an April Fool’s joke.”
“The real champions are Senegal, and they always will be.”
The CAF ruling has ignited widespread debate, with many former players, fans, and officials criticizing the timing and reasoning behind the decision. Evra’s comments echo growing sentiment that the governing body’s move undermines the integrity of African football.
The Senegal Football Federation has announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), keeping the controversy alive and leaving the AFCON 2025 title dispute unresolved.
Highlight: The statement from Evra emphasizes that, regardless of CAF’s ruling, “the real champions are Senegal, and they always will be.”
