George Weah has voiced strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following its decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 trophy.
Weah emphasized that football decisions must be made on the field of play, citing the Laws of the Game and CAF regulations:
“In football, the referee on the field of play is the ultimate authority. Once the game continues and concludes, the result must stand. In the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, the referee allowed the match to continue after Senegal’s withdrawal, and it was completed, including extra time. The referee’s report confirmed an interruption, not a suspension, and recommended sanctions accordingly.
“Therefore, CAF’s subsequent decision should not override the referee’s authority. Football must be decided on the field, not after the final whistle. Overturning completed matches sets a dangerous precedent, where committees not referees would annul on-field decisions such as penalties, offside calls, and red cards.”
Weah warned that CAF’s ruling risks undermining the credibility of African football:
“This decision further tarnishes African football, eroding confidence in its impartiality, consistency, and integrity. I call on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and other competent authorities to act decisively and put an end to this injustice.”
Also read: AFCON 2025 Controversy Belittles It – Drogba
The former Liberian president’s statement adds to growing international scrutiny over CAF’s handling of the AFCON final, echoing concerns from players, coaches, and fans around the globe.
Many now view the controversy as a pivotal moment for African football governance, raising questions about transparency, fairness, and the authority of referees versus committees.
With Senegal appealing to CAS, the case continues to unfold, keeping the spotlight on CAF and its decision-making processes ahead of future tournaments.
