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The surprise is in the details.
As the start of the 2026 World Cup approaches, Africa is still reeling from tensions between Morocco and Senegal amid the crisis at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Lions of Teranga won the title before being stripped of it by the Confederation of African Football’s appeals committee.
Pending a final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Laqia, defended his country’s position.
In statements to the Onzi Mondial magazine, he said that Morocco’s behavior was completely fair and that its position was based on respect for the law and compliance with the regulations in place within the framework of the Confederation of African Football.
“For our part, we deeply regret our desire for a more appropriate end to the competition, a truly celebratory end. Until the ninety-fifth minute, all the ingredients of a big event were present, and the final game was proceeding normally.”
“I prefer to emphasize that the institutions of the Kingdom of Morocco acted in accordance with the law during the entire process. Although we did not agree with the original decision, we chose not to express public displeasure.
The university president emphasized the depth of historical relations between Morocco and Senegal, stressing that the appeal move was not directed against the Senegalese team, but rather in support of the application of the requirements of African Confederation regulations, especially articles 82 and 84.
He continued. “We asked for the application of Articles 82 and 84, which are clear and unambiguous, and their interpretation does not require complexity. In the end, we won. Anyway, there are rumors and speculations, then there is reality and truth, and reality always wins in the end.”
Laquia explained that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation followed the legal methods applicable in this type of case, while the Senegalese side chose to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“Morocco has been outside the leadership of the Confederation of African Football for decades. The Confederation of African Football has managed different structures and dynamics over time, and Morocco has only recently regained its active role and contribution to African football.”
The president of the university concluded the speech by emphasizing Morocco’s respect for the final decision expected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, considering that the confirmation of the crowning of the Moroccan team will be a moment of pride and happiness for all components of national football.
“Morocco can’t be blamed for trying to promote African football, that’s all that matters.”
