“Impossible in Europe!” – Jamie Carragher reacts to CAF stripping Senegal of AFCON title

Liverpool legend and English football pundit Jamie Carragher has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.

The dramatic ruling, announced on Tuesday evening, has sent shockwaves across the football world.

Carragher expressed disbelief at the unfolding events, emphasising that such a scenario would be unthinkable in European competitions.

“Wait a minute… Senegal wins the Africa Cup of Nations final, the fans are cheering, the players are lifting the trophy, everyone is celebrating, and then they are told: ‘No, sorry, Morocco won 3-0!’ Are you kidding me?” he said during a Sky Sports appearance.

The final, held on January 18 in Rabat, originally ended with Senegal defeating Morocco 1-0 after extra time, thanks to a last-minute strike from Pape Gueye. The match was marked by tension when the Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco, which Brahim Diaz famously missed bizarrely.

CAF initially confirmed Senegal’s victory and sanctioned both teams for unsportsmanlike behaviour. However, in a historic reversal, the CAF Appeals Board later ruled that Senegal had violated Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which cover match withdrawals and forfeits.

As a result, the final score was officially recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco, crowning the Atlas Lions as champions on paper.

Carragher did not hold back in his criticism, arguing that the Africa Cup of Nations had been reduced to a bureaucratic exercise rather than a sporting competition.

“That’s precisely why I said the Africa Cup of Nations is not a major tournament. Could this happen in the Champions League final? Or in the European Championship final? That’s impossible,” he said.

He added, “Players are not given medals and then told: ‘Actually, the other team is the winner.’ That’s madness! Just imagine the scene in the dressing room! The Senegalese players are crying, and the Moroccan players are in a pitiful state… Who is holding the cup now? Is this football or Monopoly?!”

Carragher’s comments highlight a growing debate over the integrity and credibility of African football competitions.

“Honestly, it’s a joke. The tournament should be about what happens on the pitch, not in the offices. But no, in the Africa Cup of Nations… you can celebrate winning the trophy today and losing it tomorrow,” he concluded.

The CAF decision has ignited furious reactions among fans, players, and pundits alike, and Jamie Carragher’s remarks encapsulate the bewilderment felt across the global football community.