Mustapha Hajji Addresses Controversy Surrounding AFCON Title
Mustapha Hajji, the legendary figure of the Moroccan national football team, has recently asserted the rightful claim of the Atlas Lions to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title against Senegal, referencing the regulations set forth by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In his remarks, Hajji pointed out a significant error made by the referee during the famous final match, Congo’s Jean-Jacques Ndala, which he believes could have influenced the outcome. Speaking in an upcoming video interview with Kooora, Hajji emphasized the importance of adhering to football laws, stating, "Football is governed by rules, and the law clearly states that if players leave the field, a penalty must be enforced. I sincerely hope that such a crisis does not recur for the future of African football."
When asked whether he anticipates a ruling in favor of Morocco, Hajji expressed optimism, saying, "God willing, Morocco has not committed any errors, whereas the Senegalese players exited the field, so the law dictates that Morocco has the right to reclaim the AFCON title." He also commented on Senegal's request to annul CAF's decision and restore the continental title, suggesting that since the referee had completed the match, the outcome on the field should stand. Hajji criticized the Congolese referee’s decision to continue the match after the Senegalese players had left the pitch, noting that it was peculiar that the VAR officials and CAF representatives did not intervene in the referee's decision-making process.
Implications for African Football
Hajji further stated, "I believe the referee made a significant error by deciding to continue the match after the Senegalese players exited. Interestingly, the VAR officials and CAF representatives allowed the referee to make that decision alone without any intervention." The former Moroccan star insisted that the Senegalese are aware of the rules and understand the situation well. While they may have won the match on the field, they know that the referee made his decision to ensure the game continued without further issues. He emphasized that according to CAF and FIFA regulations, if players leave the field for more than 10 or 15 minutes, there must be a penalty imposed.
Regarding the potential backlash from the Moroccan public if the ruling favors Senegal, Hajji stated, "I hope that the final decision is applicable to everyone, no matter who it favors, but I pray that it is in Morocco's favor." He underscored that this discussion revolves around the laws of football, asserting, "We did not steal the cup unjustly; we won it lawfully based on the events that transpired on the field." Hajji concluded by expressing doubt about further pursuing the matter if the upcoming decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) does not favor Morocco, mentioning, "I believe it is difficult to go further in this case, especially as it would harm the future of the game in Africa. I want the world to recognize that there are laws governing African football."
The controversy stems from the AFCON final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal claimed victory over Morocco with a score of 1-0. However, CAF later accepted an appeal from the Moroccan Football Federation, arguing that Morocco should be declared the winner due to the Senegalese players exiting the field in protest of Ndala's decision to award a last-minute penalty to the home team. Nevertheless, Senegal has not backed down and has filed an appeal against CAF's unprecedented ruling with CAS in Switzerland. The court held a hearing in October with representatives from Morocco, Senegal, and CAF present, announcing that the final decision will be revealed at the end of November.
As reported by kooora.com.
