The football world is in shock after the unprecedented decision by the Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) to strip Senegal of the African Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco . Interviewed by L'Équipe on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Claude Le Roy, an iconic figure on the continent, did not mince words.

A "laughable" decision and a governance under fire

The man nicknamed the "White Wizard" expressed his deep sadness for the image of African football. For him, this decision turns the competition into an international laughingstock.

"Alas for this continent that I love so much, which will now be a laughingstock to the entire football world!"

The French coach directly targeted Patrice Motsepe 's administration, suggesting that the outcome seemed predetermined. While acknowledging the quality of Morocco's performance, he emphasized the reality on the ground: Senegal was the better team in the final on February 18th.

The shadow of FIFA and Gianni Infantino

Claude Le Roy goes further, denouncing interference from the FIFA president. According to him, this questioning of the refereeing decisions several weeks after the final whistle is a dangerous development.

1. Direct criticism: He compares Gianni Infantino to a "Trump of African football", accusing him of granting himself all rights over the continent.
2. Denial of the rules: For Le Roy, the refereeing errors should have been limited to immediate disciplinary sanctions and not to a victory by default two months later.

Towards an international legal battle

Faced with the response from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation ( FRMF ), which claims to have simply sought "the application of the regulations", Le Roy denounces a "demagogically mediocre" position and a "feverish" communication.

The former coach remains convinced, however, that the final word has not been spoken. According to him, Senegal will initiate a rigorous process to reclaim its title.

1. Referral to the CAF Appeals Committee .
2. Appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) .