‘Senegal are champions’ - Villarreal coach Marcelino slams CAF over 2025 AFCON title decision

Villarreal manager Marcelino García Toral has launched a scathing attack on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, the Spaniard dismissed the administrative ruling that handed the trophy to Morocco, insisting that results should only be determined by the action on the field.

The dispute stems from the AFCON final held on January 18, 2026, where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory through an extra-time strike by Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye.

However, the match was overshadowed by a 17-minute walk-off by the Senegalese squad in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

While the players eventually returned to complete the game, CAF’s Disciplinary Board ruled on March 17 that the walk-off constituted a technical forfeit. Consequently, the result was overturned, and Morocco was declared the official champion.

"In the offices, they take your title away just to give it to someone else," Marcelino told reporters, expressing his frustration with the bureaucratic intervention.

"For me, Senegal is the African champion. The one who deserves to win, wins on the pitch—and that’s all there is to it."

Marcelino’s stance is fueled by his defense of his player, Gueye, who returned to Spain as a national hero before the ruling. Villarreal had recently honored the midfielder at the Estadio de la Cerámica, celebrating his match-winning performance.

As the football world reacts to the unprecedented decision, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has remained defiant.

The federation has reportedly refused to return the $10 million prize money or the physical trophy, confirming they will appeal the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).