Stripping Senegal of AFCON 2025 title is inappropriate – Marseille coach Habib Beye

Former Senegal international and current manager of Marseille Habib Beye has launched a scathing critique of the Confederation of African Football’s controversial decision to strip the Lions of Teranga of their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title, describing the ruling as “inappropriate” and damaging to the credibility of African football.

Speaking in the wake of the shocking Appeals Committee verdict—delivered two months after Senegal’s triumph—Beye did not hide his disbelief at the timing and implications of the decision. The former defender, now managing Olympique de Marseille, insisted that Senegal’s victory was earned fairly on the pitch and should be respected as such.

Senegal had originally clinched the title on January 18, 2026, after a hard-fought and dramatic final against Morocco national football team. The result had been ratified, celebrated, and accepted across the football world—making CAF’s later reversal all the more contentious.

Beye questioned not only the substance of the ruling but also its timing, arguing that decisions of such magnitude must be made during or immediately after the match in question—not months later.

“Ironically, I don’t think they’ll be able to get our trophy and medals back. They’re in our country with the people who won them and who earned them on the pitch,” Beye remarked, underscoring the emotional and symbolic weight of Senegal’s triumph.

The 47-year-old tactician stressed that Senegal’s achievement came under intense and dramatic circumstances, making the victory even more significant. For him, the essence of football lies in what happens during the 90 minutes on the field—not in boardroom reversals long after the final whistle.

“The title that Senegal won, they won it on the pitch… and it was deserved,” he added firmly.

Beye further warned that such decisions risk tarnishing the image of African football on the global stage. According to him, the ruling reflects poorly on CAF’s institutional credibility and raises serious concerns about governance and consistency in decision-making.

He acknowledged that the situation presents a complex legal challenge, with the case now expected to head to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, Beye made it clear that his hope remains unchanged: that the original result, validated on the pitch, will ultimately stand.

“It’s a very difficult situation for CAF and everyone involved… but I just hope we stick with the decision ratified on the pitch,” he said.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Beye’s comments add to the growing chorus of voices within African football calling for clarity, fairness, and respect for sporting integrity. The coming weeks—and a potential CAS ruling—could prove in determining whether Senegal’s historic triumph will be officially restored or permanently erased from the records.