"I Will Return The Medal To Ease The Tension Between The Two Countries" – Gueye

 "I Will Return The Medal To Ease The Tension Between The Two Countries" – Gueye

Sampson Adedeji

Senegal and Everton FC midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has declared his willingness to return his Africa Cup of Nations winner’s medal in a bid to calm rising tensions between Senegal and Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final has continued to generate debate across the continent after the appeal committee overturned Senegal’s victory and awarded the title to Morocco.

 The decision has sparked widespread reactions, with tensions escalating between both nations and among football stakeholders in Africa.

Speaking in an interview with Canal+, Gueye emphasized the need for unity on the continent, insisting that football should not become a source of division.

“We deserve to be African champions. For us, we are the African champions, nothing changes,” Gueye stated.

The experienced midfielder, however, expressed concern over the broader implications of the decision, suggesting it could create unnecessary discord.

“This announcement is just a distraction, perhaps an attempt to divide Africa. If it were up to me, I would have told the Federation not to appeal,” he added.

In a strong gesture aimed at promoting peace, Gueye further revealed his personal commitment to resolving the situation.

“I personally pledge to gather the medals and return them to Morocco if that can truly ease tensions between the two countries,” he said.

The development adds another layer to the ongoing AFCON final saga, as calls for calm and unity continue to grow across the African football community.