The Athletic FC Podcast · March 31, 2026 · 33 min

AFCON chaos: Will Senegal keep the trophy?

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CAF overturning AFCON result

Fifty-seven days after the final, CAF reversed the result and declared Morocco the real winners. I think reading the statement initially, you kind of have to read it a few times before you really realise what has happened.

— Thomas Hill Lopez Menchero

AFCON final officiating

The VAR came into play for Morocco and it didn't for Senegal in a moment where people couldn't actually see the footage as well. This all fed this idea that it was favourably leading towards Morocco.

— Simon Hughes

AFCON governance

The football on the pitch made by the African footballers is going faster than these people in the offices.

— Edouard Mendy

CAF credibility

The decision that has been reached is not good for the image of CAF and the governance of African football. You can't have a final that has been decided and five or six weeks later say, well actually, that never happened.

— Simon Hughes

Senegal AFCON trophy parade

It was one of those slightly unbelievable moments where you think, wow, they've really just gone and done that. It was a really defiant moment.

— Thomas Hill Lopez Menchero

Legal challenge to AFCON result

The IFAB laws do overrule the CAF statutes and the CAF handbook. Once a referee's decision has been made, you can't retrospectively make some sort of appeal.

— Simon Hughes

AFCON trophy dispute

I would feel ashamed to win like this. It wouldn't feel right. You have to earn it on the pitch.

— William Troost-Ekong

AFCON refereeing controversy

It's the first time I actually think that conspiracy has manifested itself into the reactions of people inside the football stadium.

— Simon Hughes

World Cup 2026 accessibility

At the moment it feels like the most enclosed tournament that's ever been. To play a role in it, you have to have a significant amount of money to be involved. It sends out a terrible message.

— Simon Hughes