Former England captain, Wayne Rooney has criticised the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco.
CAF’s Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s 1–0 victory, ruling that their walk-off in protest of a stoppage-time penalty violated Articles 82 and 84. The match was subsequently recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.
Reacting to the ruling, the former Manchester United star expressed disbelief, insisting that Senegal had rightfully won the match on the pitch.
“It’s crazy. If I were a Moroccan player, I wouldn’t accept it. Senegal beat them fair and square,” Rooney said.
“The Senegal team beat them fairly.”
Meanwhile, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has condemned the decision, describing it as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable.
The federation also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.