The change of direction at AFCON 2025 ‘confuses’ Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola criticized CAF for the controversial awarding of the AFCON 2025 trophy to Morocco.

Guardiola expressed his disbelief:

“It’s a surprise! I don’t know the reason, but it’s a decision that was made behind the scenes,” the Premier League coach said at a press conference.

“What happens everywhere is what we see; it didn’t start now. It always happens behind the scenes and we don’t see their faces.”

His comments echo widespread frustration among football fans around the world and highlight the controversy as a global discussion, not just an African issue.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has stated that, apart from refusing to return the trophy, it has no intention of paying the $10 million fine imposed by CAF as part of the ruling.

Senegal has referred the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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The general secretary of the FSF added in a statement:

“CAF is rotten. The reactions around the world after this decision confirm total indignation. The fight is far from being lost. I want to reassure all the Senegalese people: Senegal has the right on its side and victory with it. The cup will not leave the country.”

Reports indicate that, according to L’Equipe, Morocco appears to be the only African nation to publicly accept the CAF ruling as legitimate, while the dispute continues to spark controversy across the continent.