Regragui Delivers Blunt Verdict on AFCON Final Controversy

Casablanca – Former Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui used his first appearance as a football consultant for French broadcaster Canal+ to revisit the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

Regragui addressed the ongoing dispute over the final, saying the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had awarded Morocco the title while the case remains subject to a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“For the moment, CAF has awarded us the title. Now, there’s the CAS. We’ll wait for the decision and accept it either way,” Regragui said.

Regragui points to unresolved controversy

The former Morocco coach said the delayed resolution of the dispute was unfortunate, particularly because the outcome concerns a major final in which players and supporters expected to celebrate the trophy.

“What’s unfortunate is that it’s coming a bit late and that it’s being decided on the administrative side,” he said. “Because everyone wants to step up to the podium and lift the trophy in front of their fans.”

Regragui also pointed to incidents during the match that he believes should have had greater consequences under the rules.

“There were players who came onto the field and, if the rules had been applied, they would have gotten a second yellow and Senegal would have had to finish with nine men,” Regragui said.

Criticism of both sides

Despite his criticism of the events surrounding the final, Regragui acknowledged that the controversy involved both teams.

“We saw things that have no place on a field, from both sides,” he said.

The former Morocco boss also expressed disappointment with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, saying the events surrounding the final damaged the image of African football.

“I’m a bit upset with the Senegalese coach because we didn’t put on a good image,” Regragui said. “In the end, a decision was made that tarnished African football.”

Regragui looks beyond the dispute

Regragui said he has since moved on from the controversy, regardless of what CAS ultimately decides.

“No matter the decision, CAS will decide. The next day, I will have moved on to something else,” he said.

For the former Morocco coach, the broader significance extends beyond the result of one final. He recalled his earlier comments about the perception of African football and argued that the events surrounding the match reinforced some of the criticism directed at the continent.

“That night, we proved the critics right,” Regragui said.

The appearance marked Regragui’s first outing as a Canal+ football consultant after joining the French broadcaster following his departure from the Morocco national team. The former coach will now bring his experience from the touchline to television coverage of major European football matches.