AFCON Controversy: Achraf Hakimi Rejects Morocco’s Awarded Title, Insists Senegal Are True Champions

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the Africa Cup of Nations title controversially awarded to his country by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), insisting that Senegal were the rightful winners after defeating the Atlas Lions on the pitch.**

In a strongly worded statement, the Paris Saint-Germain defender declared that he would refuse the winner’s medal on principle, urging his teammates to do the same.

“My mother told me to refuse the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. I am officially refusing it, and I hope my teammates do the same. We had our chance to win it, but we couldn’t,” Hakimi said.

A Final Marred by Controversy

The 35th AFCON final, held in Rabat on January 18, ended with Senegal securing a 1-0 victory after extra time. However, the match was overshadowed by a 17-minute stoppage triggered by Senegalese protests over a late penalty awarded to Morocco following a VAR review.

Senegal players briefly left the pitch in protest before returning to resume play. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, and the Lions of Teranga held on to claim the trophy.

CAF Ruling Overturns Result

In the aftermath, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed, arguing that Senegal’s actions violated competition rules. CAF’s Appeals Committee upheld the complaint, ruling that a team can be deemed to have forfeited a match if it leaves the field without authorisation.

The governing body not only overturned the result but awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by default, handing the AFCON title to the host nation.

Hakimi: “I Did Not Win the Africa Cup of Nations”

Despite CAF’s ruling, Hakimi has chosen to recognise the sporting outcome on the field.

“This is football – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved the victory. It would be unfair to destroy their joy after all the hard work they put in,” he said.

The Moroccan captain acknowledged CAF’s authority but made his personal stance unequivocal.

“I respect the decision of the Confederation of African Football, but I am officially refusing the trophy. I did not win the Africa Cup of Nations. Congratulations once again to Senegal.”

A Growing Divide Between Administration and Sporting Integrity

Hakimi’s refusal marks one of the strongest responses from within the Moroccan camp itself, adding a new dimension to an already divisive decision.

While Morocco’s football authorities have accepted the ruling, the captain’s stance highlights a growing split between administrative outcomes and sporting integrity.

With Senegal expected to challenge the decision further, the controversy surrounding the 2026 AFCON final shows no sign of fading — and Hakimi’s rejection of the trophy may yet become one of its defining moments.