Former Liberian President George Weah has strongly criticised the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to withdraw the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title from Senegal and award it to Morocco, describing the move as a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the game.
In a statement dated March 18, 2026, Weah argued that CAF’s decision contradicts the established Laws of the Game, particularly the authority of the referee as defined under FIFA regulations.
“The referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match,” Weah said, citing Law 5 of the Laws of the Game. “Once play is allowed to continue and the match is completed, the result obtained on the field must stand.”
The controversy stems from the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, where the match reportedly continued after a walk-off by Senegal, proceeded through extra time, and produced a result on the field. According to Weah, the referee’s official report classified the incident as a stoppage rather than a forfeiture and recommended sanctions for infractions during the game.
Weah maintained that CAF’s post-match ruling effectively overrides the referee’s authority, warning that such actions could erode confidence in African football governance.
“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” he stressed. “Otherwise, the beautiful game will head down a slippery slope where committee room officials—not match officials—determine outcomes.”
The 1995 Ballon d’Or winner further described the decision as one that has “scarred and blemished African football,” raising concerns about fairness, consistency, and institutional credibility on the continent.
He called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other relevant bodies to urgently review the matter to prevent what he termed a “travesty” from standing.
Weah also dismissed circulating social media claims suggesting he supported CAF’s disciplinary action against Senegal, labelling them as “blatantly false” and urging those responsible to desist.
The CAF decision continues to generate debate across the football world, with stakeholders divided over whether administrative rulings should overturn outcomes determined on the field of play.
