â??Self-inflicted damageâ?? â?? William Troost-Ekong slams CAF after Senegal stripped of 2025 AFCON title

Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has lambasted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

In a scathing assessment of the continent’s governing body, the veteran defender described the move as “self-inflicted damage” that has set African football back significantly.

The ruling, issued by the CAF Appeal Board earlier this week, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the January 18 final. The board cited Senegal’s brief mid-match walkout—a 15-minute protest against a late stoppage-time penalty—as a technical forfeiture.

Consequently, the result was amended to a 3-0 victory for Morocco, crowning the hosts as champions two months after the tournament concluded.

Speaking to The Athletic, Troost-Ekong expressed deep concern over the long-term implications of the verdict.

"This progress has been undermined by the shocking decision from the CAF appeal board," he stated. "This episode is bad for the integrity and reputation of African football. We have taken two steps backwards and it is self-inflicted damage."

The 2025 AFCON was widely praised for its high-quality football and world-class infrastructure, serving as a successful dress rehearsal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Troost-Ekong noted that while fans saw a tournament that showcased the best of the continent, the boardroom intervention has overshadowed those achievements.

The Nigerian star, who captained his nation to the 2023 final, argued that matches must be settled on the pitch. He suggested that awarding a trophy through administrative rulings erodes the meritocracy of the sport.

"Fans around the globe saw a tournament with talented players and fantastic facilities," he said, lamenting that the focus has now shifted from athletic excellence to legal disputes.

The fallout from the decision remains ongoing. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has already signaled its intent to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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