“Senegal beat us in regulation time and deserved their victory,” Hakimi refuses the 2025 AFCON trophy.
Morocco’s full-back, Achraf Hakimi, spoke out after the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), publicly stating his refusal to be crowned Africa Cup of Nations champion.
The controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final continues to make waves. While CAF awarded the title to Morocco on paper, Achraf Hakimi chose to distance himself with a strong statement given to the Spanish daily Marca. « My mother told me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I officially refuse it and I hope my teammates will do the same », he confided, taking the opposite stance to the official decision.
Clear-eyed about the final lost on the field against Senegal, the Paris Saint-Germain defender paid tribute to the opponent: « We had a chance to win it, but we didn’t seize it. That’s football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us in regular time and deserved their victory. »
In a tense context, Hakimi stresses a question of sports ethics: « It would be unfair to spoil their joy after all their efforts. I respect CAF’s decision, but I officially refuse the trophy. I haven’t won AFCON 2025. Congratulations again to Senegal. » A rare statement that illustrates the ongoing turmoil surrounding this controversial final.
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