CAF’s rules must be respected – Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title

Spain national team head coach Luis de la Fuente has weighed in on the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

The ruling, which stunned the football world last week, followed the Appeals Board’s determination that Senegal forfeited the final after walking off the pitch.

The decision has sparked widespread debate across the sport.

Senegal, however, have challenged the verdict and taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with a final ruling expected in the coming weeks.

Despite the ongoing dispute, the Lions of Teranga have already marked the achievement, adding a second star to their jersey and planning a trophy parade on Saturday ahead of their international friendly against Peru.

Reacting to the situation, de la Fuente emphasized the importance of respecting official decisions, regardless of controversy.

“If I were Senegal, I would be furious, but if I were Morocco, I would be delighted,” the coach said, as per Foot Mercato.

“Let those who have to make the decisions make them. We, the professionals, must simply respect and accept the rules.

“These are decisions made by the competent authorities, and we must respect them.”