Senegalese media accuse Walid Regragui of trying to influence AFCON final verdict

A Senegalese news website has launched a strong attack on Walid Regragui, accusing the former Morocco manager of attempting to shape public opinion before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rules on the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

SeneNews published a report headlined: “2025 Africa Cup of Nations final: Walid Regragui’s suspicious plans against Senegal before the sports court ruling”. It criticised Regragui’s recent media appearances and claimed he was pursuing “another battle against Senegal” through the media.

Regragui has recently appeared on a podcast hosted by a Moroccan digital media outlet and later featured on Canal Football Club, using his current role as an analyst with Canal+.

According to the Senegalese report, his comments were intended to reinforce the argument that Morocco were the rightful winners of the continental title. SeneNews said Regragui’s repeated discussions of the final, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw and the conduct of the Senegalese side were helping to “create a certain image of the match before the sports court issues its final decision”.

The website described the former Morocco manager’s media activity as a strategy aimed at influencing public opinion. It argued that Regragui was seeking what it called “a victory in public opinion” after the match itself had already been decided on the pitch.

SeneNews also highlighted the disparity in media exposure between Regragui and Pape Thiaw. It said Regragui’s work with Canal+ had given him a significant platform from which to present the Moroccan perspective on the events of the final.

The report also recalled comments made by Regragui before the match, when he called on Morocco supporters to jeer Senegal and back their own national team. The Senegalese website said that appeal contributed to the increasingly hostile atmosphere surrounding the fixture.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on 18 January 2026. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal early in extra time.

The match was followed by major controversy. Morocco were awarded a penalty late in normal time after the referee reviewed the incident using the video assistant referee system. However, Edouard Mendy saved Brahim Diaz’s effort and the game continued into extra time.

The dispute took a dramatic turn in March 2026, when the Confederation of African Football’s appeals committee overturned a disciplinary committee ruling and declared Senegal to have forfeited the final. The committee awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, citing Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations.

The decision followed an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation against an earlier disciplinary ruling. In January, the disciplinary committee had imposed sanctions on the Senegalese federation and several players and officials.

Pape Thiaw was suspended for five official matches and fined $100,000 over conduct deemed contrary to sportsmanship and integrity, as well as damaging to the image of football.

The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the ruling and formally appealed to CAS on 25 March 2026. Its case, brought against CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, seeks to overturn CAF’s decision and have Senegal recognised as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAS announced on 24 July 2026 that a hearing would take place at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 8 October 2026.

The case therefore remains unresolved, despite CAF’s appeals committee awarding the title to Morocco administratively.

As African football awaits CAS’s final ruling, SeneNews maintains that Regragui’s media appearances are part of an attempt to influence public opinion. The Moroccan side, meanwhile, continues to argue that CAF’s decision vindicated its position.

The final decision now rests with CAS, which will determine the fate of one of the most controversial Africa Cup of Nations finals in recent years.