Mido slams CAF’s decision to strip of Senegal AFCON 2025 title

Former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam Mido has launched a scathing critique of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.

Senegal, who secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in extra time on January 18, were officially disqualified by CAF’s Appeals Committee after the team staged a 17-minute walk-off in response to a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.

The committee cited Article 82 of the tournament regulations, which stipulates that any team leaving the pitch without the referee’s permission is considered to have forfeited the match.

As a result, Morocco were declared champions with a 3-0 scoreline, claiming their first AFCON crown in 50 years.

Taking to X, Mido condemned the ruling as a “real farce,” arguing that the decision exposes deep flaws in African football governance. “Most of the African legends who participate in all CAF events and meetings are clowns,” he wrote.

Mido described the withdrawal of the trophy from Senegal as “the biggest scandal in the history of football” and warned that it risks dividing the continent.

He criticized the leadership of CAF and its chairman, Patrice Motsepe, accusing them of projecting a negative image of Africa to the world: “We now look like fools and a backward and corrupt continent, but Africa deserves better than that.”

The former striker called for urgent reforms, insisting that “there must be a revolution in African football. All these people must leave, today, not tomorrow!”

He stressed that his comments were not directed at Morocco or its people, whom he respects deeply, but at the governing body’s handling of the competition.

Mido concluded: “You lost on the pitch. Senegal was the better team in the final. They deserve to be African champions. It’s clear and simple, and you all know it. I really wanted to congratulate my Moroccan friends, but I can’t congratulate you on something you won at work and not on the pitch.”

This statement adds fuel to the ongoing debate over CAF’s controversial decision, which has sparked widespread outrage across the African football community.