Captain of the Morocco national football team, Achraf Hakimi, has officially rejected the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, insisting Morocco did not deserve the trophy following their defeat to Senegal.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender stated that neither he nor his teammates should accept the trophy, regardless of any decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“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 but failed to win,” Hakimi said, acknowledging Senegal’s victory as well-deserved.
“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 hard work,” he added.
Hakimi expressed respect for CAF’s ruling but maintained that he cannot accept a title he believes Morocco did not earn 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 stance marks a rare moment in football, with a player publicly declining recognition in favor of sporting integrity.
The controversy stems from CAF’s March 17, 2026, ruling that awarded Morocco the title after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest. CAF’s Appeal Board cited the walk-off as a forfeiture under regulations, overturning the 1–0 result in Senegal’s favor to a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation has announced plans to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, keeping the AFCON 2025 outcome in dispute.
