Former CAF Vice President Kwesi Nyantakyi has slammed the Confederation of African Football's decision to overturn the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final result, calling it a “dangerous precedent” that hurts the game's integrity.
Reacting to the CAF Appeal Board's ruling, which took the title from Senegal and gave it to Morocco with a 3-0 win, Nyantakyi questioned the decision's legal basis and its implications.
“We woke up to a decision that has rippled across the continent, igniting debate and raising eyebrows,” he said, warning it could affect how disputes are handled in African football.
Nyantakyi criticized the decision on three main points, saying CAF misapplied Articles 82 and 83 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. He believes they overlooked more specific rules (Articles 88-106) that deal with specific offences.
“It must be appreciated that in highly charged matches, players may protest decisions or even stage brief walkouts,” he said, adding that this doesn't necessarily mean a serious offence was committed.
Nyantakyi stressed the match was completed, so a forfeiture ruling wasn't fitting. He also pointed to Law 5 of the Laws of the Game, giving the referee final say on match decisions.
“The referee is the judge of facts,” Nyantakyi noted. “It was clear the match was brought to an end by the referee. Any contrary finding has no basis in the laws of the game.”
Nyantakyi warned the decision could hurt African football's credibility, calling it “an assault on the integrity of the game”. He cautioned that unclear rulings could make sponsors and stakeholders lose trust.
“Football is played in the open and watched by millions. If results can be changed in boardrooms without clear justification, serious credibility issues will arise,” he concluded.
The ruling's sparked debate, with Nyantakyi's comments adding to concerns over the handling of the decision.
