Morocco Awarded CAN Title Amidst Controversy, Claude Le Roy Condemns CAF Decision

Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning and deeply controversial turn of events, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision, made on March 18, 2026, overturns the initial result of the final match played on January 18, 2026, against Senegal. The move has sparked widespread outrage and accusations of interference, with veteran football figure Claude Le Roy leading the chorus of criticism.

A Shock Decision Reverberates Across African Football

The CAF’s decision stems from protests lodged by the Moroccan team during the final against Senegal, which Senegal initially won 1-0 after extra time. The Moroccan side contested several refereeing decisions, leading to a brief walk-off by the Senegalese team. CAF’s appeals commission ultimately ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a forfeit, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco and the championship title. This unprecedented reversal has thrown the integrity of the tournament into question and ignited a firestorm of debate.

Claude Le Roy: “This is a Farce”

Claude Le Roy, a highly respected figure in African football having managed several national teams including Cameroon, Senegal and DR Congo, didn’t mince words when reacting to the CAF’s decision. Speaking to L’Équipe, Le Roy expressed his disbelief and condemned what he described as a “grand guignolesque” situation. He directly implicated CAF President Patrice Motsepe, alleging that the decision was driven by external pressures and a pre-determined desire to award the title to Morocco.

“I could not have imagined for a second that CAF could go so far in the ridiculous,” Le Roy stated. “But when you see how the instance is directed by Mr. Motsepe, who is the vassal of Infantino [FIFA President], and wanted absolutely to give this Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco, who deserved it over the entire CAN but Senegal was better in the final, no one could have imagined that two months later we would hear such a declaration.”

Le Roy, who was present at the final as a consultant for Canal+, further criticized the governance of CAF and the alleged interference of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He accused Infantino of behaving like “the Trump of African football,” asserting that he operates with a sense of entitlement and control over African football matters. “This has been going on for years, with CAF decisions being flouted,” he added. “It’s shameful for the image of African football. This decision will create the whole football planet laugh.”

Allegations of Manipulation and External Influence

The core of Le Roy’s criticism centers on the belief that the CAF’s decision was not based on sporting merit but rather on political maneuvering and the influence of FIFA’s leadership. He suggests that Motsepe, under pressure from Infantino, prioritized awarding the title to Morocco despite Senegal’s on-field victory. This claim raises serious questions about the independence and impartiality of the CAF and its decision-making processes.

The situation is particularly sensitive given Morocco’s strong bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain, and Portugal. Some observers speculate that the CAF’s decision may have been influenced by a desire to bolster Morocco’s position as a strong candidate for hosting the prestigious tournament. Although, these remain allegations at this time.

Senegal’s Response and the Aftermath

The CAF’s decision has understandably been met with disappointment and anger in Senegal. The Senegalese Football Federation has yet to issue a formal statement, but reports indicate that they are considering their legal options. Prior to the CAF’s ruling, Senegal had already celebrated their victory with jubilant scenes across the country, and the reversal of that result has caused widespread frustration among fans.

The controversy extends beyond the pitch. The CAF’s handling of the situation has been criticized for its lack of transparency and the lengthy delay in reaching a final decision. This has further eroded trust in the organization and raised concerns about its ability to fairly govern African football.

What’s Next?

The immediate future remains uncertain. It is unclear whether Senegal will appeal the CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The situation also raises questions about the integrity of future CAF competitions and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the organization’s decision-making processes. The CAF has not yet announced any further actions or investigations related to the incident.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, where both Morocco and Senegal will be vying for a place in the expanded 48-team tournament. The controversy surrounding the CAN title is likely to add extra intensity to any future encounters between the two nations.

Archysport will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.