Idrissa Gueye ready to return AFCON medal to ease tension

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has offered to return his 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) medal if it will help united the West African nation with Morocco.

Despite winning the 2025 edition of the AFCON held in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) moved to reverse the same citing articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations which determined the conduct of Senegal national team warranting a severe penalty.

The final in Rabat was stopped for over 15 minutes as Senegal players protested the decision to award Morocco a penalty with only a few seconds remaining to the final whistle.

However, after the disputed penalty, the final resumed with Brahim Diaz missed from the penalty spot and Senegal scoring in extra time to carry the day.

Senegal deserved to be African champions

“I personally commit to collecting the medals and maybe giving them back to Morocco if that can ease tensions between the two countries,” Gueye told Canal+ as quoted by Flashscore after his Everton side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.

“It’s just ridiculous… a football match is won on the pitch, that’s what we did in Morocco. We did what we had to do on the pitch, we won that match.

“We deserve to be African champions. We are the African champions as far as we’re concerned. Titles are won on the pitch, not in offices.”

Gueye against Senegal decision to appeal

On Senegal’s decision to appeal the CAF decision, Gueye said: “If it were up to me, I would have told the federation not to appeal.”

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has made it clear Senegal have the right to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“I have been informed Senegal is considering an appeal, which is very important. Each of the 54 African nations has the right to pursue all necessary legal avenues to defend its interests, not only at the highest level in Africa, within CAF, but also before the highest court, the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” said Motsepe on Senegal’s move to appeal.

“And we will comply with and respect the decision that will be made at the highest level. A key principle is that no African country will be treated more favorably, advantageously, or favorably than any other country on the African continent.”

During the final, Gueye captained Senegal ahead of Kalidou Koulibaly, who was suspended.