Idrissa Gueye has criticised the Confederation of African Football, accusing the body of creating division across the continent after awarding Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Senegal midfielder made the remarks after Everton’s 3–0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Saturday, adding that he would be willing to return his winners’ medal to Morocco in a bid to ease tensions.
Senegal’s status as African champions was overturned on Tuesday when CAF ruled that Morocco should be officially recognised as the winners of the 2025 tournament.
Speaking to Canal+ after the match, Gueye insisted the decision would not change his team’s belief.
“We know we are the African champions. For us, that doesn’t change anything. This announcement feels like a distraction meant to divide Africa. If it were up to me, I would have advised the federation not to appeal,” he said.
He went further to express his personal willingness to de-escalate the situation.
“I’m ready to collect the medals and return them to Morocco if that will help calm tensions between both countries.”
Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it has taken the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for resolution.