Reo-Coker Criticises CAF Over Controversial AFCON 2025 Decision

Former Nigel Reo-Coker has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football for awarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco.

CAF announced that Senegal had forfeited the final, with the match recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco. The decision came after a dramatic and tense final between the two teams.

Before the ruling, Senegal had appeared to win the match after scoring in extra time. However, there were several controversial moments during the game, including a disallowed goal and a late penalty incident that caused protests from Senegal players.

Reacting to CAF’s decision, Reo-Coker, who played for West Ham United and Aston Villa, described the situation as embarrassing for African football.

“CAF is an embarrassment. I’m of African heritage, and I know about the Cup of Nations. I watched it as a kid growing up, and I know players who have played in it, World Class players,” he said.

He added that such incidents could damage the reputation of the tournament.

“There’s always a stigma about Africa, and its football. We’ve had conversations about AFCON not being taken seriously for many years.

“It’s another reason why people will look down on this tournament and have a stigma attached to it. There’s not one Morocco player, past or present, who would want to win in this manner.

“None of them will look in the mirror and be happy about being handed that.

“CAF have embarrassed themselves again in front of the world, and allows other footballing federations to laugh at Africa as a continent because of how this whole situation has been handled,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senegal Football Federation are preparing to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they seek to overturn the ruling.