AFCON Drama: Morocco Captain, Hakimi, Refuses Trophy, Says Senegal Deserved Victory
A new twist has emerged in the trending controversy surrounding the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Although the decision to award the trophy to hosts and losing finalists Morocco has sparked widespread reactions, Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has expressed a personal stance on the matter.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender has delivered a surprising response, openly rejecting CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the title they won and declare Morocco as champions.
Declaring his support for Senegal, Hakimi revealed that his mother had advised him to reject the trophy—a directive he says he has followed—while also urging his teammates to do the same.
“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting it and hope my teammates do the same.
“We had a chance to win it, but we didn’t. That’s football—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
“Senegal beat us fairly and deserved the victory. It would be unfair to take away their joy after the hard work they put in.
“I respect CAF’s decision, but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I did not win the 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again,” he said.
