George Weah Slams CAF’s Decision to Strip Senegal of AFCON 2025 Title
Former Ballon d’Or winner and ex-Liberian president George Weah has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for overturning Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations victory and awarding the title to Morocco.
The controversial ruling, made by CAF’s Appeals Board, cited technical violations of competition rules. But Weah, one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, insists the decision undermines the integrity of the sport.
“The Referee’s Decision Must Stand”
Weah, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995 and was named African Player of the Year three times, argued that football’s laws clearly state that referees have the final authority during matches.
“In football, once the referee allows play to continue and the match concludes, the result on the field must stand,” Weah said. “CAF’s rules grant match officials full control during games. There is no sporting justification to nullify a properly completed match.”
He warned that overturning results after the fact sets a dangerous precedent.
“If we allow committee rooms to override referees’ decisions—whether penalties, offside calls, or red cards—football will lose its essence. The game must be decided on the pitch, not in boardrooms.”
A Blow to African Football’s Credibility
Weah expressed concern that CAF’s ruling has further damaged trust in African football.
“This decision scars our sport,” he said. “It erodes confidence in fairness and consistency. African football deserves better.”
He called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other governing bodies to intervene.
“I urge CAS to act decisively. This travesty cannot stand.”
Denying False Social Media Claims
Weah also dismissed misleading posts circulating online that falsely claimed he supported CAF’s decision.
“Those spreading fake statements with my image must stop immediately,” he said. “The claims are blatantly false.”
A Controversial Reversal
Senegal originally won the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat, but CAF’s Appeals Board later overturned the result, awarding the title to Morocco on a technicality. The move has sparked outrage among fans and former players, with many echoing Weah’s concerns about fairness.
As debates rage over the legitimacy of the ruling, the controversy threatens to overshadow what was meant to be a celebration of African football.
— Reported by Nexio News
