“It is surprising” – Pep Guardiola reacts to AFCON 2025 trophy controversy

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his surprise and concern over the Confederation of African Football’s decision to withdraw the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title from Senegal and award it to Morocco.

“It’s surprising, I don’t know the reason, but it’s a decision that was made behind the scenes,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the EFL Cup final against Arsenal.

He added, “Decisions are now being made behind the scenes, and we don’t see the faces of those who stand behind these decisions.”

The Spanish coach stressed that this kind of opaque decision-making is not limited to football.

“This is not new; it is what has been happening in football recently, and in the whole world as well,” he told the Associated Press.

“Look at what’s happening around the world. There’s unbelievable chaos, and nobody is doing anything about it. Everything is happening behind the scenes. The world is on the verge of collapse, yet we are still here talking about hidden tricks.”

Guardiola, who is preparing Manchester City for Sunday’s English League Cup final against Arsenal, refrained from engaging in psychological games with his counterpart, Mikel Arteta.

Instead, he praised Arsenal’s growth, calling them an exceptional team, while acknowledging the tensions that arose after a Premier League match in September 2024, when a 2-2 draw led to criticism from some City players over Arsenal’s tactics.