Adil Rami backs Morocco’s AFCON 2025 triumph, says rules justify title decision

Former French international defender Adil Rami has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting that Morocco rightfully deserves the title based on the regulations governing African football.

Rami’s comments come amid ongoing debate following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to overturn Senegal’s on-field victory and award the championship to Morocco.

The ruling was made after Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch during the final, an action that was ultimately interpreted as a withdrawal under CAF rules.

The final itself had ended in dramatic fashion, with Senegal securing a 1-0 win after extra time against the host nation. However, tensions escalated when Senegal’s players walked off the field for over ten minutes in protest of a late penalty decision awarded to Morocco after a VAR review.

That moment proved decisive beyond the match itself. Following an official appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, CAF’s Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the earlier decision was overturned, the match was awarded 3-0 in favour of Morocco, and the Atlas Lions were crowned African champions for the second time in their history.

Speaking in an interview with French platform “ligue1,” Rami admitted that while the outcome may have surprised many, it aligns with the rulebook.

“According to the rules, this is logical, but honestly I didn’t know this rule. I didn’t know that when you leave the field, you are considered defeated. I am Moroccan, but I have nothing against the Senegalese,” he said.

He went on to address the backlash he has received, particularly from Senegalese supporters, while maintaining his respect for the nation.

“I was hated by the Senegalese because I said what I thought about their coach, but Senegal has always been a country I respect, and that will not change. As for Ayoub Bouadi, I received many messages, especially from Moroccans, and this is normal because they are happy. I have no advice to give him, but if he agrees to play for Morocco, I will be the happiest person about that,” Rami noted.

Rami also defended his praise of Moroccan football, emphasizing the country’s recent achievements across multiple levels of the game. “I received messages from people saying; ‘Stop saying that Morocco is among the strongest countries in the world,’ but I want to talk about a country I know, not another country. I don’t know other countries… I’m just telling the truth.”