Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticized Confederation of African Football over its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title, describing the move as damaging to the credibility of African football.
The CAF Appeals Board overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the January 18 final, citing a 15-minute protest walkout by Senegal players as a breach of regulations. The ruling declared the match forfeited and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win—effectively handing the hosts the trophy months after the final.
Reacting to the decision, Troost-Ekong expressed concern over its wider impact, insisting it undermines the progress African football has made in recent years.
“This progress has been undermined by the shocking decision from the CAF Appeals Board. It is bad for the integrity and reputation of African football—we’ve taken two steps backwards, and it’s self-inflicted damage,” he said.
The defender noted that the tournament itself had been widely praised for its quality, organization, and infrastructure, especially as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. However, he believes the off-field ruling has overshadowed those achievements.
Troost-Ekong also stressed that football matches should be decided on the pitch, warning that administrative decisions of this nature risk eroding the sport’s fairness and merit-based principles.
The controversy continues to escalate, with the Senegalese Football Federation confirming plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
