Samir Nasri reacts to CAF decision to award Morocco – ‘This is nonsense’

Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has reacted to the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take away the 2025 AFCON title from Senegal and give it to Morocco.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January to win the tournament, but it was a hugely controversial win against the tournament hosts. CAF decided to uphold the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following the sanctions imposed by the governing body after the final on January 18.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

Consequently, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was found to be in breach of regulations due to its team’s conduct during the final.

The sanction was immediate and drastic: Senegal was declared the loser by forfeit, and the match was officially awarded to Morocco with a score of 3-0, thus granting them the continental title.

‘This is nonsense, so, what now?’

Speaking after the decision as quoted by Footy Africa, Nasri said: “Next time they should announce it in 2035 as well. This is nonsense. So, what now? We just hand the trophy to Morocco? CAF is making a fool of itself!”

The disciplinary proceedings didn’t end with the final. The case of Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was also reviewed on appeal. Found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct in violation of articles 82 and 83(1) of the disciplinary code, the player nevertheless saw his sanction reduced.

Initially heavily penalised, Saibari ultimately received a two-match suspension in CAF competitions, one of which was suspended. The $100,000 fine imposed on him, however, was overturned.

The CAF’s decision does not entirely absolve the Moroccan federation. It is found responsible for the ball boys’ behavior during the match. However, the fine related to this incident has been reduced to $50,000.

However, the $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area (OFR) is upheld. Regarding the laser incident, the CAF has decided to reduce the penalty to $10,000.

Rarely has an Africa Cup of Nations final had such an outcome. This verdict, handed down on appeal, completely reshapes the sporting outcome of the competition and is likely to provoke numerous reactions across the continent.