“Good-for-nothing are ruining African football” – Claude Le Roy slams CAF after stripping Senegal’s 2025 AFCON title

Former Senegal head coach Claude Le Roy has launched a scathing attack on African football authorities after a stunning decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.

In a ruling announced late on March 17, 2026, CAF’s appeals committee overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, handing the title to the host nation by default. The decision, delivered nearly two months after the final in Rabat, has sent shockwaves across the football world.

CAF justified its move by pointing to the conduct of the Senegalese players, who briefly left the pitch in protest following a controversial refereeing decision deep into stoppage time. However, the severity of the punishment has triggered widespread backlash.

Le Roy, who managed Senegal between 1988 and 1992, did not hold back. Speaking to Radio Foot Internationale, the veteran coach described the ruling as “farcical” and accused those in charge of African football of incompetence. He expressed deep concern over what he sees as lasting damage to the continent’s football image.

The 78-year-old also took aim at Gianni Infantino, accusing him and his allies of exerting undue influence over the African game. He alleged that financial leverage and political interests were being used to consolidate power, calling the situation “disgraceful.”

CAF president Patrice Motsepe was not spared from criticism either, as Le Roy argued that African football leadership had failed to uphold fairness and credibility.

“This continent deserves better,” he said, lamenting that such a decision could overshadow what had been a well-organized tournament hosted by Morocco.

Le Roy also questioned the legal basis of the ruling, noting that Senegal’s players left the field for approximately 12 minutes—short of the 15-minute threshold that could have justified more severe sanctions under the rules. He suggested that more appropriate disciplinary measures, such as cautions, should have been applied during the match by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

He further criticized the lack of support for the match official, claiming Ndala appeared abandoned during the chaotic closing stages of the final.

Despite the controversy, Le Roy remains confident the decision will not stand. He believes the Court of Arbitration for Sport will overturn the ruling if Senegal proceeds with an appeal.

Senegal’s football federation has 10 days to challenge the verdict, and early reactions suggest the players are unwilling to concede their title. Defender Moussa Niakhaté underscored that defiance on social media, posting images of the trophy alongside a blunt message rejecting the decision.

As the fallout continues, what was meant to be a routine football week has instead turned into one of the most contentious episodes in African football history.