Ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett brands Morocco’s AFCON win ‘hugely disrespectful’ as committee strips Senegal
Keith Hackett has slammed the decision to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco.
The former Fifa official and ex-PGMOL chief exclusively told Football Insider the decision is “a huge disrespect” and “unacceptable”.
Senegal won the title in January in a game that was marred by huge controversy in the final minutes.
Two massive refereeing decisions, one which saw the eventual winners denied an opening goal, and one which saw Morocco awarded a penalty, would provoke a stunning reaction on the pitch.
Senegal walked off the pitch in protest, returning after 15 minutes to see Brahim Diaz chip his penalty straight into the arms of Edouard Mendy.
In just the fourth minute of extra time, Pape Gueye’s superb strike would find the top corner and allow Senegal to lift the trophy.
Keith Hackett: CAF decision is ‘unacceptable’
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider after the final, Hackett said Senegal would be investigated for their role in the chaos that took place, with a punishment expected.
Pape Thiaw’s team were slammed for their unprecedented actions, although their frustration could be understood.
| AFCON Final Timeline | Details / Ruling |
|---|---|
| Original Result | Senegal 1-0 Morocco (AET) |
| CAF Revised Result | Morocco 3-0 Senegal (Forfeit) |
| Regulatory Basis | Articles 82 & 84 (AFCON Regs) |
| Next Legal Step | Appeal to CAS (Confirmed) |
Source: CAF Appeal Board / Senegalese Football Federation (FSF)
Ismaila Sarr’s goal had been chalked off for Abdoulaye Seck’s minimal contact on Achraf Hakimi, with the video assistant referee somehow confirming the referee’s decision.
And while the decision to award Morocco a penalty just minutes later looked correct, the difference in standards saw frustrations boil over.
On Tuesday 17 March, two months later, the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board have announced that Morocco have been declared 3-0 winners of the final after infringing article 82 of the regulations of AFCON.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider following the announcement, Ex-PGMOL chief Hackett said: “Deciding the result of a football match sat around a table by committee is a huge disrespect for the game.
“The authorities should have arranged for the game to be replayed behind closed doors with appropriate media coverage and a large number of security in place.
“I am sure that the decision will stand but whatever the circumstances deciding a game by committee is unacceptable.”
Senegal respond to CAF decision
CAF’s decision has been widely criticised, with many shocked by the time it has taken for such a big call to be made.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has since responded to the announcement and has confirmed that they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
An independent organisation, CAS has acted in several high-profile football disputes, including the overturning of Manchester City’s two-year ban, which had been handed down by UEFA.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football”, the FSF confirmed in a statement.