“Titles are won on the pitch, not in the boardroom,” says Idrissa Gueye in response to CAF’s decision

The Senegalese international made a statement that was as ironic as it was provocative, in response to the decision by the African Football Confederation’s Appeals Committee to strip Senegal of the African championship title and award it to Morocco.

Following Everton’s victory over Chelsea on Saturday in the Premier League, Idrissa Gueye made some strong remarks. The Senegalese midfielder firmly condemned any questioning of the Lions of Teranga’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. For him, there is no room for debate, as Senegal secured their victory fairly on the pitch.

I personally undertake to gather up the medals and perhaps return them to Morocco if that can ease tensions between the two countries. It’s just ridiculous (...) a football match is won on the pitch, and that’s what we did in Morocco. We did what was required on the pitch; we won that match. We deserve to be African champions; we are African champions, as far as we’re concerned! Titles are won on the pitch, not in offices.