El Hadji Diouf: 'Accusing Morocco of Buying Referees is Unfair'

Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf has called for calm and restraint following the controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, which Senegal won 1-0 after extra time.

In an opinion piece published in the French newspaper "Le Monde", Diouf condemned "accusations that Morocco may have 'bought referees' or benefited from biased officiating during the match." He described such allegations as "dangerous" and "unfair," arguing that they undermine the integrity of African football without providing any conclusive evidence.

Diouf stated: "I say this with all seriousness and a sense of responsibility: accusing Morocco of buying referees is part of a dangerous and absolutely unfair slippery slope. These insinuations, which are not based on any evidence, tarnish the honor of a country that has demonstrated its seriousness and professionalism, and above all, they undermine the integrity of African football."

He added: "It is true that frustration is part of the game, but constant doubt cannot become the norm. Football matches are won and lost on the pitch, not through rumors."

The former Liverpool player also believes that Morocco organized the Africa Cup of Nations "excellently." He affirmed: "Infrastructure, hospitality, security, and logistics... everything was executed with seriousness, professionalism, and respect for the participating teams. The Kingdom of Morocco has shown that Africa is capable of organizing major events at a high level that meets international standards, and this deserves unequivocal praise."