Achraf Hakimi rejects AFCON title despite CAF ruling

Captain of the Morocco national football team, Achraf Hakimi, has rejected the idea of accepting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, insisting his side did not deserve to be named champions after their defeat.

In a strongly worded statement, the Paris Saint-Germain defender said neither he nor his teammates should be awarded the trophy, regardless of any official decision.

His comments follow Morocco’s loss to the Senegal national football team in the tournament final.

“My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I’m officially rejecting the trophy and hope my teammates do the same. We had a chance to win it but we failed to win it,” Hakimi said.

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco gets a kiss from his mother after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Belgium and Morocco at Al Thumama Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

The Moroccan captain acknowledged the outcome of the match, emphasising that Senegal were rightful winners after their performance. He also warned against any action that could undermine their achievement.

“That’s football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Senegal beat us fairly and deserved the win. It will be unfair to ruin their joy after the hardwork they put in.”

Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye with a shot as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi comes in to block it during the Africa Cup Of Nations Final match between Senegal and Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Hakimi added that while he respects the position of the Confederation of African Football, he could not accept a title he believes Morocco did not earn on the pitch.

“I respect the CAF decision but I’m officially rejecting the trophy. I didn’t win 2025 AFCON. Congratulations to Senegal once again.”

The comments highlight a rare stance in international football, with a player openly declining recognition in favour of sporting integrity.

Hakimi’s remarks suggest a desire to uphold what he sees as fairness in competition, even if it means turning down one of African football’s most prestigious honours.

Morocco had been among the favourites heading into the tournament, but ultimately fell short in their bid to secure continental glory. Senegal’s victory, meanwhile, has been widely seen as a deserved triumph following their performance in the competition.

Sadio Mane of Senegal and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco battle for the ball during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat, Morocco on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board ruled in favor of Morocco, citing that Senegal’s walk-off constituted a forfeiture under tournament regulations (Articles 82 and 84).

The original 1–0 Senegal victory was annulled and recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco with Senegal stripped of the title, and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has indicated it will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)