Patrice Evra has made his feelings clear on social media after Senegal were stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and Morocco crowned champions.
Morocco sent an appeal to CAF after they were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in the final in January. They weren't happy at all that Senegal's players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty, leading to a near 20-minute delay.
Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick and Senegal went on to win courtesy of Pape Gueye's extra-time goal.
CAF have now punished Senegal, saying in a statement: "The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF)."
Patrice Evra Hits Out at CAF
Senegal
Evra, who was born in Dakar, Senegal, but represented France at international level, has now taken to social media to make his feelings clear about the 'disgraceful' decision.
He said: "This is a disgrace for African football. A scandal. We all saw with our own eyes that Senegal won. My Moroccan brothers, I like you, but at some point you can’t take it this far, guys.
"The Africa Cup of Nations has really lost all its credibility. When I got the notification, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. Nothing surprises me in football anymore, and that’s why I watch it less—because decisions like this are a scandal.”
Senegal Players Respond After They Are Stripped of AFCON Title
Sadio Mane | Senegal
Senegal have vowed to appeal. "The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football," a strongly-worded statement read.
Several Senegal players have responded to the news, including Rayo Vallecano's Pathé Ciss, Lyon's Moussa Niakhate, and Everton duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye. The latter posted a powerful message on his Instagram page.
“Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is fleeting. What truly matters is that every supporter can return home to their family. The Senegalese people have shown their true character: dignified in victory, dignified in adversity. That is Teranga. We know what we experienced that night in Rabat. And that, God willing, no one can take away from us.”
Senegal captain Sadio Mane is yet to speak out at the time of writing.