Hakimi rejects AFCON title despite CAF ruling: ‘I didn’t win it’

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly declined the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, insisting Senegal deserve to be recognised as champions following their victory in the final.

In a strongly worded statement, the Paris Saint-Germain defender said neither he nor his teammates should accept the trophy, regardless of the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award Morocco the title on appeal.

“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting the trophy and hope my teammates do the same,” Hakimi said. “We had a chance to win it but we failed to win it.”

The controversy stems from the AFCON final played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, where Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over the host nation. However, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled on March 17 that Senegal’s walk-off during the match constituted a forfeiture under tournament regulations, annulling the original result and awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory along with the title.

Hakimi, however, made clear his position on the matter, emphasising that sporting integrity must take precedence over administrative rulings.

“That’s football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved the win,” he said. “It will be unfair to ruin their joy after the hard work they put in.”

The Moroccan captain acknowledged CAF’s authority while drawing a personal line on the issue.

“I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win the 2025 AFCON,” Hakimi stated. “Congratulations to Senegal once again.”

His remarks represent a rare instance of a player openly declining official recognition in favour of upholding what he views as fairness in competition.

Senegal’s victory had been widely regarded as a deserved triumph, with the Teranga Lions delivering a composed performance to defeat the tournament favourites on their home soil. The Senegalese Football Federation has indicated it will appeal CAF’s ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Hakimi’s stance adds a significant dimension to an ongoing dispute that has drawn reaction from figures across African football, with former Liberia captain George Weah among those who have criticised CAF’s decision, stating that “football must be decided on the pitch.”