Regragui Claims African Championship Title Before CAS Verdict

Walid Regragui leaves no room for doubt: for the former Morocco coach, the Atlas Lions are African champions, despite the ongoing proceedings before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Speaking on the Magharib podcast, he reaffirmed his position with a frankness that reignites tensions surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

On January 18, Senegal had won the final against Morocco (1-0 after extra time) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. But the Teranga Lions left the pitch in the final seconds of regular time to protest the award of a penalty to the Moroccans. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sanctioned this departure by awarding Morocco a 3-0 walkover victory, stripping Senegal of its title.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) contested this decision before CAS, with a hearing scheduled for October 8. Pending that verdict, Regragui fully stands by his country’s position. “As a coach, we did everything to win the title. For me, I am African champion, whether people like it or not. We delivered a great competition, we were among the best teams, if not the best, and we played great matches. Regarding the final, we will wait to see what the Court of Arbitration for Sport says,” he said.

The former coach also took a swipe at Senegal coach Pape Thiaw, recalling a precedent at the World Cup: “Senegal went to the World Cup. There was a penalty against them in the final minutes against Belgium. Why didn’t they leave the pitch? Because they know there were CAF sanctions that made them understand you cannot leave the field. And yet, the penalty against Belgium was more dubious than ours!”

The matter remains open. CAS will have the final say in October on the true identity of the 2025 African champion.