Sports
Mariga, Mikel critical of Senegal AFCON final walk-off, title stripped
Senegal has been stripped of its AFCON title after the team walked off the pitch in protest during the final minutes of the January 18, 2025 match. McDonald Mariga and John Obi Mikel have criticized the team's actions.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board ruled on Tuesday that Morocco has been awarded the AFCON title with a 3-0 win. The decision came after Senegal forfeited the final when its players walked off the pitch for several minutes. The team was protesting a penalty awarded to Morocco's Atlas Lions. The CAF Appeal Board stated Senegal breached Article 84 of CAF regulations. Mariga commented on the Obi One Podcast, co-hosted by Mikel, that the walk-off was "not a good picture for African football".
Key Facts
- The CAF Appeal Board stripped Senegal of its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
- Senegal forfeited the AFCON final against Morocco after walking off the pitch.
- The team was protesting a penalty awarded to Morocco.
- Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory.
- The CAF Appeal Board stated Senegal breached Article 84 of CAF regulations.
- McDonald Mariga and John Obi Mikel criticized Senegal's actions during the final.
- Mariga said the walk-off was not a good image for African football.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Pulse Sports Kenya — 'Not a Good Picture' - McDonald Mariga and John Obi Mikel Slam Senegal Over AFCON Final Walk-Off