Marseille – Olympique de Marseille manager Habib Beye has voiced strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to withdraw Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The stunning reversal, stemming from an appeal lodged by Morocco following incidents during January’s final in Rabat, has sparked outrage and confusion across the continent. Beye, a former Senegal international with 45 caps, didn’t mince words when addressing the situation during a press conference Friday, two days before Marseille’s Ligue 1 clash with Lille.
“I don’t think they can find our trophy or our medals,” Beye said with a touch of irony, as reported by multiple sources including Yahoo Sports and Eurosport. “They are in our country with those who won it and deserve it on the pitch.” He quickly shifted to a more serious tone, expressing his disbelief at the timing of the decision, which came two months after the result was initially confirmed.
The CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the title and award it to Morocco has sent shockwaves through the football world. The appeal from the Moroccan football federation centered around alleged irregularities during the final match, but the specifics of those incidents remain a point of contention. The move raises serious questions about the consistency and transparency of CAF’s disciplinary processes, and the impact on the integrity of African football’s premier competition.
Beye continued, “This decision is inappropriate, two months after the result was officially confirmed. It’s quite baffling and, unfortunately, it doesn’t reflect well on CAF.” He emphasized the difficulty of the situation, acknowledging his inherent bias as a Senegalese national, but also stressing the importance of upholding decisions made on the field of play. “The title was earned on the pitch and deserved,” he stated.
The former Newcastle United and Marseille defender, who participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, highlighted the broader implications of the CAF’s ruling. “It’s a tricky situation for me because I’m very biased. A lot happened in that final, with a dramatic turn of events, but the title was earned on the pitch, and deserved. Today, it’s a very difficult situation for CAF and for everyone involved. We’ll spot what the CAS decision is. I hope we stick with the decision made on the pitch. The decisions we make within our institutions do not put our continent in a good light.”
Beye’s frustration extended to the timing of the appeal and subsequent decision. He argued that any concerns regarding the match should have been addressed immediately following the final, rather than months later. “If a decision had to be made, it should have been made at the time, in accordance with the regulations. Even if that would have been difficult, everyone would have understood. Now, I secure the impression that, two months on, there is mainly a lack of understanding regarding a decision that will, in any case, be hard for both nations to accept.”
The situation is further complicated by Senegal’s decision to appeal the CAF’s ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as reported by Eurosport. CAS, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is the highest authority for resolving sports-related disputes, and its decision will be final and binding. The process could take several weeks or even months, leaving the future of the 2025 AFCON title in limbo.
Beye concluded by emphasizing the negative impact of the controversy on the image of African football. “It’s incomprehensible and doesn’t put our continent in a good light,” he said. “This ‘incomprehension’ will be difficult to live with for both nations.” He believes that a swift and just resolution is crucial to restoring faith in the integrity of the competition and the governing body.
The controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON title underscores the ongoing challenges facing CAF. Issues of governance, transparency, and consistency in decision-making have plagued the organization for years, and this latest incident is likely to fuel further scrutiny. The outcome of Senegal’s appeal to CAS will be closely watched by football fans and stakeholders across Africa and around the world.
Looking ahead, Olympique de Marseille will turn their focus back to domestic competition. Beye will be hoping his team can put the off-field drama behind them and secure a positive result against Lille on Sunday. The match, scheduled for 9:00 PM UTC, will be a crucial test for Marseille as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish in Ligue 1.
The CAF’s decision has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the upcoming season, and the resolution of this dispute will be a defining moment for African football. The focus now shifts to CAS, where the fate of the 2025 AFCON title will ultimately be decided.
What are your thoughts on the CAF’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.
