“Moroccan people are our friends” – Ex-Senegal midfielder Khalilou Fadiga urges calm amid AFCON 2025 controversy

Former Senegal international Khalilou Fadiga has appealed for calm amid the growing tensions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, stressing that football should not harm the longstanding relationship between Senegal and Morocco.

Speaking to French outlet Le Parisien, Fadiga said he wants to stay above the controversy following the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the title to Morocco after Senegal walked off the pitch in the final.

“I prefer to keep football aside. Moroccan people are friends. This should not damage our brotherly relationship. I prefer to talk about our shared history and the respect between us,” he said.

The matter is now expected to move to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where Senegal plan to challenge CAF’s ruling. Fadiga acknowledged the issue is not fully resolved and called for patience.

“It’s not over yet. CAS will decide what happens next. For now, I remain calm.”

While the debate continues, Morocco’s claim to the title is supported by CAF regulations, with the team having benefitted from the enforcement of Articles 82 and 84 due to Senegal’s walk-off. CAS decisions are known to focus strictly on the rules rather than public opinion, giving Morocco a legally solid position as the case unfolds.

Fadiga’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining goodwill and mutual respect between the two nations, even as football controversy rages on.