Morocco Captain Hakimi Rejects Controversial AFCON Title… – Eduzim News

Sports Correspondent – Achraf Hakimi, captain of Morocco national football team, has publicly rejected the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title awarded to his country, declaring he does not recognise the victory following a controversial ruling by Confederation of African Football.

Reports indicate the Paris Saint-Germain defender will refuse to accept the winner’s medal on principle, insisting that Senegal national football team were the rightful champions after securing victory on the pitch.

In a statement, Hakimi confirmed he is officially declining the AFCON trophy and expressed hope that his teammates would take a similar stance.

The controversy stems from CAF’s decision to overturn the result of the 2026 AFCON final, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory by default after ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match.

The ruling followed chaotic scenes late in the final in Rabat, where Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

Although Senegal returned to complete the match and went on to win 1–0 in extra time, CAF’s Appeals Committee later determined that the temporary walk-off constituted a violation of competition regulations.
Hakimi has since distanced himself from the administrative decision, choosing instead to recognise the result achieved on the field of play.

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