Jamie Carragher ‘has been proven right about AFCON’ after Senegal sensationally stripped of trophy
Bacary Sagna has launched a scathing attack on CAF following their controversial ruling to overturn Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations triumph, declaring that the decision proves Jamie Carragher was correct in his previously criticised assessment of African football.
The former Arsenal and Manchester City full-back spoke about the governing body’s choice to strip Senegal of their title after their dramatic final victory against Morocco was successfully appealed.
Sagna, speaking to Covers.com soccer betting, said: “The decision to strip Senegal’s AFCON win is disrespectful and wrong.”
The 43-year-old added: “It doesn’t make sense at all, and I now believe Jamie Carragher has been proven right about African football.”
Sagna, who has Senegalese heritage, directed his frustration at the circumstances surrounding the final and the subsequent ruling by football’s African governing body.
The former defender questioned the logic of expecting players to remain on the field during dangerous conditions.
He said: “There were fans invading the pitch, so what were the Senegal players supposed to do stand out there and not run inside?”
Morocco have been declared the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a ruling by the CAF Appeal Board that Senegal forfeited the tournament final
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GETTYSagna continued: “There were fights going on in the stadium, and the players are expected to stay on the field and play?”
The chaotic scenes during the match left Senegalese players with little option but to seek safety, according to the 43-year-old, who believes the ruling fails to account for these extraordinary circumstances.
Sagna’s criticism aligns with concerns previously raised by Sadio Mane, who spoke out following the controversial ruling.
Senegal players celebrate their AFCON triumph over Morocco back in January
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GETTYThe former Liverpool forward warned that “there is too much corruption in our game” and suggested the entire continent’s football had suffered reputational damage as a result of the decision.
Both players share deep frustration with CAF’s handling of the situation, with Mane’s comments highlighting systemic issues within the governing body that extend beyond this single incident.
The corruption allegations add another layer to the growing controversy surrounding the tournament’s administration, with prominent African footballers now openly questioning the integrity of those responsible for running the competition.
Sagna argued that CAF’s ruling represents a direct attack on the continent’s premier football competition, questioning whether the tournament can maintain any credibility moving forward.
He stated: “The CAF’s decision is a decision against African football. Who is going to respect AFCON now?”
Senegal were initially crowned Afcon winners after beating Morocco in the final | REUTERS
The former defender made clear his own view of the competition has fundamentally changed, declaring: “I’ve lost respect for it after this decision and Morocco are getting away with it.”
Carragher faced significant criticism when he previously discussed the tournament in relation to Mo Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects, with many accusing him of being dismissive towards AFCON.
Speaking after Senegal were stripped of the trophy, he said: “Can you imagine the scenes in the dressing room?
“Senegal players crying, Morocco players confused… who’s holding the trophy now? This is football or is it Monopoly?!”
