By Rahim Abdul
Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has reportedly turned down the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to Morocco by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), saying the decision does not reflect what happened on the pitch.
In a statement seen circulating on social media, Hakimi revealed that his mother advised him not to accept the trophy, stressing the importance of honesty and fairness in football.
Hakimi stated that Morocco had the opportunity to win the AFCON title on the field of play but failed to do so, with Senegal emerging as the rightful winners of the tournament.
He emphasized that football is about either winning or losing, and taking credit for another team’s achievement would be unjust and against the spirit of the game.
According to Hakimi, Morocco worked hard throughout the competition with hopes of lifting the trophy, but ultimately fell short, and that result must be respected.
The PSG star added that accepting a title under such circumstances would undermine the efforts of teams that genuinely earned their victories through performance.
Hakimi openly accepted Morocco’s defeat and urged fellow players and supporters to do the same, calling for integrity and sportsmanship in handling the situation.
He further extended his congratulations to Senegal, recognizing them as the legitimate AFCON 2025 champions following their triumph in the tournament.
Hakimi also wished Senegal continued success, acknowledging their determination and performance throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, reactions from former players and football fans have been mixed, with many expressing dissatisfaction over CAF’s controversial decision to award Morocco the title.
Critics argue that such decisions risk damaging the credibility of African football and could set a worrying precedent for future competitions.
