TDYes, Achraf Hakimi, Morocco’s captain, has publicly rejected the 2025 AFCON trophy awarded to his team by CAF.
Hakimi insisted that Senegal were the rightful winners.
His statement is genuine and has been reported by multiple credible outlets.
Background
- Tournament Outcome: Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 in the AFCON 2025 final.
- CAF Ruling: CAF annulled Senegal’s victory, citing breaches of Articles 82 and 84 after Senegal walked off in protest over a stoppage-time penalty. The match was ruled a 3–0 forfeit in Morocco’s favor.
- Controversy: The ruling effectively handed Morocco the trophy despite their on-pitch defeat.
Hakimi’s Statement
Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco and PSG defender, issued a strongly worded rejection:
- “My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting the trophy and hope my teammates do the same.
- “We had a chance to win it, but we failed. That’s football; sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose.
- “Congratulations to Senegal once again.”
He emphasized that sporting integrity should come before administrative rulings, acknowledging Senegal as the rightful champions.
Reactions
- Support for Senegal: Hakimi’s stance has been praised by figures across African football, including George Weah, who criticized CAF’s decision and backed Senegal.
- Public Sentiment: Many fans and analysts argue CAF’s ruling undermines the credibility of African football governance.
- Team Morocco: Hakimi urged his teammates to join him in rejecting the trophy, signaling possible collective dissent.
Fact-Check Verdict
- Claim: Hakimi rejected the AFCON 2025 trophy.
- Status: ✅ True
- Evidence: Multiple reputable sources confirm Hakimi’s statement.
The rejection is significant because it challenges CAF’s ruling and highlights concerns about governance and fairness in African football.
Hakimi’s stance has been praised by fans and figures across the continent.
In essence, Hakimi’s move is both symbolic and principled: he is prioritizing sporting integrity over administrative rulings.
He has called on his teammates to do the same and reinforced Senegal’s legitimacy as champions in the eyes of many observers.
