An unprecedented situation has emerged in African football after Walid Regragui was associated with Morocco’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations success despite stepping down before the final ruling.

The former head coach had already resigned from his position before the Confederation of African Football confirmed its decision regarding the disputed final against Senegal national football team.

However, the outcome of the case has left him linked to a title awarded after his departure.

The unusual sequence of events followed a prolonged dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, initially won on the pitch by Senegal.

CAF later ruled that Senegal had breached regulations after temporarily leaving the field during the match, leading to a 3-0 forfeit decision in favour of Morocco.

A title decided after resignation

Regragui’s resignation came before CAF delivered its final verdict, meaning he was no longer officially in charge when Morocco were declared champions.

Despite this, the title has been attributed to the team he had led during the tournament.

This has created a rare and complex scenario in which a coach is connected to a major international title despite no longer holding his role at the time it was awarded.

A decision surrounded by controversy

The ruling by CAF has drawn strong reactions across the football community.

Many observers have questioned the circumstances surrounding the final and the decisions taken during the match, with some describing the outcome as a “stolen AFCON”.

The controversy stems from both the events on the pitch and the disciplinary measures that followed.

Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the field was deemed a violation of the competition’s regulations, ultimately leading to the reversal of the match result.

Uncertainty continues

On the Senegalese side, the decision has been met with confusion and dissatisfaction.

Officials have indicated that an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport could be considered, suggesting that the dispute may not yet be resolved.

Regardless of any future developments, the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to remain one of the most unusual in the tournament’s history.

For Morocco, the title represents another continental success, albeit under circumstances that have sparked widespread debate.

For Regragui, it marks a unique place in football history — being linked to a triumph confirmed only after his departure from the role.