AFCON 2025 controversy: Pape Thiaw is a hypocrite – Adil Rami slams Senegal coach

Former France international Adil Rami has launched a scathing attack on Pape Thiaw in the aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.

Speaking during a live session on his Instagram account, Rami expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Senegal coach’s actions and comments surrounding the highly contentious final.

“He’s a hypocrite, yes, a hypocrite and manipulative. It’s crazy. The man planned everything,” he said.

He went further, suggesting that Thiaw had begun shaping a particular narrative even before the final took place.

“He was already looking for excuses two days before the match. He wanted to mislead everyone against Morocco with his words,” Rami added.

Despite his harsh criticism, Rami made it clear that his remarks were not directed at the Senegalese people or players, drawing a firm line between his views on the coach and his respect for the nation.

“I have many Senegalese friends, I love Senegal,” he said. “There is no problem. This doesn’t change anything. Don’t mix things up.”

He reiterated that his concerns were solely about the coach’s conduct, not the team or the country as a whole.

The fallout from the final has since evolved into a broader debate, extending beyond the pitch to involve players, officials, and public figures, all offering differing perspectives on the events that unfolded.

On March 17, the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s conduct amounted to a forfeiture, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and confirming them as champions of AFCON 2025.

However, with Senegal challenging the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the controversy surrounding the final remains unresolved.