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Achraf Hakimi declines AFCON title despite CAF ruling
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Says Senegal earned victory fairly after final win
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Confederation of African Football decision sparks fresh controversy
Captain of Morocco, Achraf Hakimi, has rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his country, insisting that Morocco did not deserve the trophy after losing to Senegal in the final.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender said neither he nor his teammates should accept the title, regardless of the ruling by the Confederation of African Football.
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“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do same. We had a chance but failed to win,” Hakimi said.
He acknowledged Senegal’s performance, stressing that they were the rightful winners and warning against actions that could undermine their achievement.
“That’s football, sometimes you win and lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved it. It will be unfair to ruin their joy after the hardwork,” he added.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025 Final: CAF Suspends Hakimi, Thiaw, Slams Heavy Fines on Senegal, Morocco
Hakimi maintained that while he respects CAF’s decision, he could not accept a title he believes was not earned on the pitch.
“I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again,” he said.
The controversy follows a March 17 ruling by CAF’s Appeal Board, which awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory after citing Senegal’s walk-off as a forfeiture, overturning the original 1–0 result.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation has indicated plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, prolonging the dispute over the tournament outcome.