Pape Gueye stands firm on CAN 2025 victory and refuses to return medal to Maroc

Despite the recent ruling by the CAF appeal jury, Pape Gueye is not backing down. The midfielder, who found the net during the CAN 2025 final between Sénégal and Maroc, still considers himself a rightful champion of Africa. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, the Villarreal player made it clear that he has no intention of surrendering his winner’s medal.

Handing back his gold is simply not an option for the former OM star. Although Sénégal was stripped of the title in March—months after their 1-0 victory on the pitch on January 18—Gueye remains defiant. “We are the champions of Africa, it’s as simple as that,” he asserted. He argued that the entire world witnessed their triumph during the match. While the game was marked by disruptions and a controversial penalty, Gueye noted that the match reached its conclusion. He questioned why the result should be overturned now, especially since the Maroc players were eager to continue the game when the penalty was awarded. “The medals are with us,” he added firmly.

The match was filled with tension, particularly in the closing stages when a Sénégal goal was disallowed and a penalty was subsequently given to Maroc. This led to the Lions of Teranga briefly walking off the pitch. However, they returned to the field, where Brahim Diaz missed his chance to equalize with a failed panenka attempt.

The legal battle moves to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

It was Pape Gueye himself who secured the win with the only goal during extra time. While his teammate Idrissa Gueye previously suggested he might return his medal to help calm the situation, Pape Gueye clarified that those comments were purely sarcastic. “I told him I wasn’t ready to give mine back! The whole world knows Sénégal won that cup,” he remarked.

The controversy continues to simmer. In late March, the Sénégal national team even showcased the trophy during a friendly match in France. Following the CAF decision to revoke their victory, the Sénégal Football Federation officially took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Currently, the CAS has not established a firm timeline for its final verdict. This upcoming decision will represent the final word on the matter, as neither nation will have further legal avenues to contest the outcome of the CAN 2025 dispute.