In his inaugural appearance as a football consultant for Canal+, former Morocco national team coach Walid Regragui revisited the contentious issues surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which saw Morocco face off against Senegal. The ongoing dispute has captured significant attention, particularly as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has provisionally awarded the title to Morocco, pending a formal resolution from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Regragui articulated the current status of the situation, expressing clarity on the provisional nature of the title awarded by CAF. He stated, "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," indicating his readiness to accept the eventual outcome, regardless of its nature.
Unfortunate Delays and Mixed Reactions
The former coach lamented the delays in resolving the controversy, particularly considering the significant stakes involved in a major final where players and supporters anticipated a celebratory moment. He expressed disappointment that the resolution was taking place on an administrative level, saying, "What’s unfortunate is that it’s coming a bit late and that it’s being decided on the administrative side. Because everyone wants to step up to the podium and lift the trophy in front of their fans." Furthermore, Regragui raised concerns regarding specific incidents during the match that he believes warranted more severe penalties under existing rules, suggesting that had the regulations been strictly applied, Senegal could have ended the match with fewer players.
While critiquing the match's officiating and the actions of players, Regragui did not shy away from acknowledging that the controversy was a shared responsibility between both teams. He remarked, "We saw things that have no place on a field, from both sides," underscoring the need for sportsmanship. Additionally, he expressed his disappointment with Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw, suggesting that the events surrounding the final cast a shadow over the image of African football.
Looking Forward
Despite the turmoil, Regragui emphasized his intent to move forward, irrespective of the eventual decision from CAS. He stated, "No matter the decision, CAS will decide. The next day, I will have moved on to something else," indicating his focus on future endeavors. His comments also reflected a broader concern regarding how the match and its aftermath may influence perceptions of African football, as he noted, "That night, we proved the critics right." This sentiment highlights the importance of maintaining a positive image for African football on the global stage.
This appearance marked Regragui's first foray into the world of sports commentary since parting ways with the Moroccan national team, as he brings his rich experience to the viewers of Canal+, where he will provide insights into major European football matches.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
