Source: Africa Publicity
Former George Weah has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to withdraw the AFCON 2025 championship from Senegal and award it to Morocco, describing the move as a threat to the integrity of the sport.
In a statement issued on March 18, 2026, Weah argued that the decision contradicts the fundamental principles governing football, emphasizing that outcomes should be determined on the field of play.
“In football, the Laws of the Game are clear: the referee on the pitch is the final authority on decisions made during the match. Once play is allowed to continue and the match is completed, the result obtained on the field must stand,” Weah said.
Citing Law 5 of the Laws of the Game, he stressed that referees have ultimate authority during matches. “The referee has full authority to enforce the Laws of the Game in connection with the match to which he has been appointed, and his decisions on facts connected with play are final,” he noted.
Weah referenced the controversial AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, stating that despite a walk-off by Senegal, the referee allowed play to continue and the match was completed, including extra time.
“In the present case of the final AFCON match between Senegal and Morocco, the referee allowed the match to continue after the walk-off by Senegal, and the game was completed, including extra time, with a result obtained on the field of play,” he said.
He further pointed to the referee’s post-match report, which classified the incident as a stoppage rather than a forfeiture and recommended sanctions accordingly.
“Additionally, post match, the referee report noted a stoppage during the match, not a forfieture and recommended appropiate sanctions for the infractions during the match,” Weah added.
According to Weah, CAF’s subsequent ruling undermines the authority of match officials and sets a dangerous precedent.
“For this reason, the subsequent decision by CAF committee, taken after the match had already been concluded, should not override the authority exercised by the referee during the game in keeping with the Laws of the Game – Law 5,” he said.
“Football must be decided on the pitch, not re-decided after the final whistle,” he declared, warning that such actions could lead to a “slippery slope” where off-field officials override on-field decisions.
“Where will it end?” Weah asked. He said the ruling has damaged the reputation of African football. “This decision has further scarred and blemished African football, undermining confidence in the fairness, consistency, and integrity of football on the continent,” he said.
Weah called on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to intervene. “I call on the court of Arbitration for Sports(CAS) and other relevant authorities to move decisively so that this travesty does not stand,” he urged.
The football legend also dismissed circulating social media claims suggesting he supports CAF’s decision.
“I also want to use this opportunity to clarify that social media posts widely circulating claiming that I support the decision by CAF Disciplinary Committee against Senegal is blatantly false,” he said, warning those spreading such claims to desist.
Weah, a former Ballon d’Or winner and three-time African Footballer of the Year, remains one of the continent’s most influential voices in the sport.
