Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco as “a surprise.”

The City boss reacted after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the original final result on March 17, a ruling that has sharply divided opinion across the football world.

Earlier this week, CAF annulled Senegal’s 1–0 victory in the final, citing a breach of Articles 82 and 84 following the team’s walk-off in protest of a stoppage-time penalty decision.

The match was subsequently recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco.

Guardiola joins a growing list of prominent figures questioning the ruling, including Ahmed Hossam Mido, Roger Milla, and George Weah.

Reacting to the development, Guardiola offered a measured but pointed response.

“It’s a surprise,” he said. “I don’t have a proper opinion because I don’t know the reason why. I didn’t read, didn’t see.”

The Spaniard suggested such decisions are often made away from public scrutiny.

“But it’s a decision made behind the scenes. What happens everywhere is what we see; it’s not now, it always happens behind the scenes, and you don’t see their faces.”

The final, played on January 18, initially saw Senegal secure a 1–0 win after a tense and controversial contest.

Anthony Nlebem

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content. (BusinessDay)