Former Liberian president and football legend George Weah has strongly criticised the decision by Confederation of African Football to withdraw the AFCON 2025 title from Senegal and award it to Morocco.
In a statement on Facebook, Weah argued that the outcome of the final match should stand, stressing that football decisions must be determined on the pitch, not in committee rooms.
Referee authority must be final
Weah anchored his argument on the Laws of the Game, particularly Law 5, which grants referees full authority over match decisions. According to him, once a match is completed under the referee’s supervision, the result should not be overturned.
He noted that during the AFCON final, the referee allowed play to continue after Senegal’s walk-off, and the match was eventually concluded, including extra time.
“The referee’s decisions on facts connected with play are final,” Weah emphasised, citing globally recognised football regulations applied by CAF and FIFA.
No justification to overturn result
Weah further pointed to the referee’s post-match report, which described the incident as a stoppage rather than a forfeiture, with recommendations for sanctions instead of annulment.
He argued that CAF’s subsequent decision to reverse the result undermines the authority of match officials and sets a dangerous precedent.
“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” he said.
Warning over future implications
The Ballon d’Or winner warned that allowing post-match rulings to override referees could open the door to endless disputes over decisions such as penalties, offsides, and red cards.
He described the ruling as damaging to the credibility of African football, saying it erodes confidence in fairness and consistency.
Call for CAS intervention
Weah called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport to urgently intervene and review the matter to prevent what he described as a “travesty” from standing.
Denies supporting CAF decision
He also dismissed viral social media claims suggesting he supported CAF’s disciplinary action against Senegal, describing them as false and misleading.
Weah urged those spreading such claims to desist from associating his name with inaccurate statements.
