Regragui reignites row over Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations final protest

Walid Regragui has claimed Morocco are African champions “whether people like it or not” and criticised former Senegal manager Pape Thiaw over the controversial Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final in Rabat.

More than seven months after the heated match at Stade Moulay Abdellah, the former Morocco head coach has spoken publicly about the events in an interview with the Magharib podcast, produced by media outlet Atheer.

Regragui blamed Thiaw for instructing Senegal’s players to leave the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to the hosts late in the match. The former Morocco manager said Thiaw had shown poor sportsmanship by taking that decision.

At Thiaw’s request, Senegal’s players walked off the field, causing a 15-minute interruption and scenes of disorder inside the stadium. Clashes broke out between Senegalese supporters and stewards, who were supported by Moroccan security forces, while some fans attempted to enter the pitch.

The final had initially ended 1-0 after extra time in Senegal’s favour. However, two months after the match, the Confederation of African Football’s Appeals Jury ruled that Senegal should be stripped of the title and declared Morocco champions by default.

Regragui said he regards himself as an Africa Cup of Nations winner despite the fact that Morocco did not win the trophy on the field.

“I am an African champion, whether people like it or not,” Regragui said.

Senegal disagreed with the CAF decision and subsequently lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The court could issue its ruling by the end of the year.

Regragui also compared Thiaw’s conduct during the Africa Cup of Nations final with his own reaction during Morocco’s 2026 World Cup last-16 defeat by Belgium.

Morocco lost that match 3-2 after extra time, with Belgium scoring from a penalty converted in the closing stages. Regragui said the punishment imposed by CAF after the events in Rabat had been severe enough to prevent a repeat of the protest.

Senegal’s players did not leave the pitch during the World Cup, partly because the team was already facing heavy sanctions announced by FIFA before the tournament. FIFA had been angered by the events of 18 January, which had followed the incidents surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The dispute over the match has therefore continued long after the final whistle, with the sporting result, the CAF ruling and Senegal’s appeal all contributing to an unresolved controversy.

Regragui’s comments represent his most direct public criticism of Thiaw since the final. His position is that the decision to abandon the pitch undermined Senegal’s claim to the title, while Senegal’s appeal means the final legal outcome has yet to be settled.