African football legend George Weah has criticized the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to withdraw the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title from Senegal and award it to Morocco.
Weah said football decisions should be determined on the pitch and not after the final whistle. He stressed that under the Laws of the Game, the referee has the final authority during a match.
Weah explained that in the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, the referee allowed the game to continue after a temporary walk-off by Senegal. The match was completed, including extra time, and a result was achieved on the field.
He stated: “In football, the Laws of the Game are clear: the referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match.”
“Once play is allowed to continue and the match is completed, the result obtained on the field must stand.”
He added that the referee’s report only mentioned a stoppage and did not declare a forfeiture, instead recommending sanctions for incidents that occurred during the game.
Weah argued that CAF’s later decision to overturn the result goes against the rules and undermines the authority of match officials.
He warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where off-field decisions override what happens during matches.
Weah said the move damages the credibility and integrity of African football and raises concerns about fairness and consistency in the sport.
Weah has called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other relevant bodies to intervene and review the decision.
“I call on the court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS) and other relevant authorities to move decisively so that this travesty does not stand.”
Weah is the first African former professional footballer to become a head of state, and the only African Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year winner in history, winning both awards in 1995.
