El Hadji Diouf
The Senegalese legend, El Hadji Diouf, spoke out in recent hours to defend Morocco after the chaos that erupted following the CAN 2025 final.
Five days after the heated CAN 2025 final won by Senegal against Morocco (0-1 after extra time), El Hadji Diouf is calling for calm. In an op-ed published in Le Monde, the former Senegal international denounced the verbal excesses that followed the match. The Lions of Teranga legend called for the preservation of the bond between Senegal and Morocco, which he considers deeply connected.
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“Accusing Morocco of having bought the referees is a dangerous and deeply unfair drift. Frustration is part of the game, but constant suspicion cannot become the rule. Football is won and lost on the pitch, not in rumors.” wrote Diouf.
He also praised the organization of the tournament: “The infrastructure, hospitality, security, logistics—everything was handled with seriousness, professionalism, and respect for the teams. Morocco has shown that Africa is capable of hosting top-level events, meeting international standards.”