Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly declined recognition as the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), maintaining that his team did not earn the title on the pitch.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender made the statement following Morocco’s defeat to Senegal in the tournament final, despite a later ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Hakimi said he could not accept the trophy under the circumstances, emphasising that Senegal deserved to be recognised as champions based on their performance.
He noted that accepting the title would undermine the spirit of fair competition and diminish Senegal’s achievement.
According to the Moroccan international, football is about merit, and victory should be determined by results on the field rather than administrative decisions.
Hakimi added that while he respects CAF’s authority, he personally rejects any recognition that contradicts the outcome of the match.
His comments come after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the initial result of the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory following Senegal’s reported walk-off during the game.
However, the decision has been contested by the Senegalese Football Federation which has indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
Hakimi’s stance has drawn attention across the football world, as it is rare for a player to decline a major continental title in favour of sporting integrity.
Morocco entered the tournament as one of the favourites but fell short in the final, while Senegal’s performance had widely been praised prior to the controversy.
The situation continues to generate debate within African football, raising questions about governance, fairness, and the integrity of competition outcomes.
