De la Fuente: 'Awarding Morocco the AFCON title? These are decisions made by the competent authorities, and we must respect them'

T.E (Elbotola)

26 March 2026at21:19

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente commented on the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to the Moroccan national team, emphasizing the need to respect decisions made by competent bodies.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of Spain's match against Serbia, De la Fuente said regarding CAF's decision: "These are decisions made by the competent authorities, and we must respect and abide by them."

The Confederation of African Football's Appeals Committee had previously issued a statement announcing its acceptance of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation's appeal. It declared the Senegalese national team to have withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, explaining that the committee decided to apply Article 84 of the competition regulations, thereby awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.

Q&A

What happened regarding Morocco and the AFCON title?

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. This decision followed the Senegalese national team's withdrawal from the final match, leading CAF to apply competition regulations.

How did Luis de la Fuente react to CAF's decision?

Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente commented on CAF's decision, stressing the importance of respecting rulings from competent authorities. He stated that such decisions must be respected and abided by, regardless of the specific outcome.

Why was Morocco awarded the AFCON title?

Morocco was awarded the AFCON title because the Senegalese national team withdrew from the final match. The Confederation of African Football's Appeals Committee accepted an appeal, applying competition regulations to declare Morocco the winner.

Morocco

Senegal

Luis de la Fuente