Idrissa Gueye has insisted that Senegal national football team remain deserving champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while expressing willingness to return medals to ease tensions with Morocco national football team.
Senegal initially defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the final held in Rabat, but the Confederation of African Football later overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win due to Senegal’s 15-minute walk-off protest during the match.
Speaking after Everton FC’s 3-0 win over Chelsea FC, Gueye said he was prepared to return the medals if it would help calm the situation between both nations.
“I personally commit to collecting the medals and maybe giving them back to Morocco if that can ease tensions between the two countries,” he said. He added that Senegal believe the title was earned on the pitch, rejecting the idea that it should be decided off the field.
Gueye also criticised Senegal’s decision to appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, suggesting the federation should have accepted the situation instead.
The final itself was marred by controversy after Senegal players walked off in protest following a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Play resumed after a 15-minute delay, during which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick, before Senegal eventually secured victory in extra time through Pape Gueye.
Despite the official ruling, Gueye maintains that Senegal remain the rightful champions in the eyes of the team and its supporters.
