By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his country, insisting that the trophy was not earned on the pitch.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), said neither he nor his teammates should accept the title, despite the ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Morocco Defeated by Senegal in Tournament Final
Hakimi’s reaction follows Morocco’s defeat to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON final, a result he believes should stand based on merit and fair play.
He revealed that his decision was influenced by personal conviction and guidance from his mother, stressing that Morocco missed its chance to win the trophy outright.
Player Emphasizes Fair Competition
According to Hakimi, the essence of football lies in fair competition, and Senegal earned their victory without controversy. He warned that accepting the title under these circumstances would diminish the integrity of the game and overshadow Senegal’s efforts.
Hakimi acknowledged CAF’s authority but maintained he could not associate himself with a title he did not earn on merit. He also extended his congratulations to Senegal for what he described as a deserved triumph.
CAF Awarded Morocco Title After Senegal Walk-Off
The controversy stems from CAF’s Appeal Board overturning the original 1–0 result of the final, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory on March 17, 2026. This decision was based on Senegal’s walk-off during the match, interpreted as a forfeiture under tournament rules.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation has rejected CAF’s ruling and plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Hakimi’s Stance Highlights Sportsmanship
Hakimi’s position marks a rare moment in modern football, where a player openly declines a major title in defense of sportsmanship, even as the controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final continues to unfold.
