CAN 2025 final: Samir Sobha, CAF ExCo member, apologizes to Morocco | OneFootball

Samir Sobha addresses injustice against Morocco during the CAN 2025 final

CAN 2025 final: Samir Sobha, CAF ExCo member, apologizes to Morocco

Exactly one month after the chaotic CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, Samir Sobha, a member of the CAF Executive Committee, has made a statement that is sure to spark widespread discussion.

The CAN 2025 final continues to be a hot topic across Africa. Last Friday, during the CAF Executive Committee meeting, Olivier Safari (president of the African Football Confederation’s referees committee) made some powerful revelations. “Every Senegalese player who left the pitch should have been immediately cautioned upon returning, but we instructed the officials not to do so, in order to preserve the match and avoid ending it prematurely.” he admitted.

On Wednesday, in the columns of The Guardian, Samir Sobha revisited the match. Re-elected to the CAF Executive Committee in March 2025, Sobha, who is also president of the Mauritius Football Association, made a statement that drew considerable attention.

“I apologize to the Moroccan Football Federation for the injustice they suffered... The rules were not followed as they should have been in this match... They (the Moroccans, ed.) were robbed. It's clear that after the Senegalese team left the field, all the players should have been shown a yellow card. I’m not saying the trophy should be taken away from the Senegalese team. What’s done is done. We can’t change it... But we need to put our egos aside and admit that an injustice was committed against Morocco’s national team. After reviewing the competition regulations, I am convinced my position is justified.” he declared. Statements that are sure to ignite debate.