Henry Defends AFCON 2025 but Questions Refereeing Standards

Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts on the controversial refereeing at AFCON 2025 following Senegal’s walk-off during the final against Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports. The incident came after a series of disputed decisions, similar to what happened in Senegal’s earlier games against Nigeria, Cameroon and Comoros.

Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Henry praised the hosts, saying, “The competition was outstanding, Morocco did a great job in terms of the infrastructure…” However, he criticised Senegal’s reaction, noting that “the reaction of the Senegalese team wanting to leave the field was wrong… It’s not the image you want to give.”

While acknowledging the frustration, Henry stressed that referees were not solely to blame. “I’m not blaming the referee; I blame the people who don’t train them…” he said, urging CAF to improve officiating standards.

CAF has since launched an investigation into the final’s events.