Criticism Against Morocco As African Champions Not Based On Fact — Tunisia Legend Insists

Criticism Against Morocco As African Champions Not Based On Fact — Tunisia Legend Insists

 Sampson Adedeji

Tunisia legend Hatem Trabelsi has claimed that criticism surrounding Morocco’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph is driven by bias rather than facts, insisting that some observers are unwilling to accept the North African nation as rightful champions, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking amid the ongoing controversy following the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal committee to overturn Senegal’s initial victory, Trabelsi argued that Morocco would have faced backlash regardless of how events unfolded in the final.

The decision to review the outcome of the final after Senegal national football team walked off the pitch in protest has divided opinion across the continent, with many questioning the legitimacy of awarding the title to Morocco national football team.

However, Trabelsi dismissed such criticisms, suggesting that narratives against Morocco were predetermined.

“If Brahim Díaz had scored, some would have cried foul over the refereeing. If Morocco had won by a large margin, they would have called it a farce, claiming Senegal deliberately lost,” he said.

“Even if they had won legitimately after Senegal forfeited, they would have alluded to corruption and match-fixing, accusing CAF of being manipulated by Fouzi Lekjaa.”

According to the former Tunisian international, the backlash highlights a deeper issue of perception and bias within African football discourse.

“In reality, the method doesn’t matter some simply want to see Morocco fail and not be crowned champions,” he added.

Trabelsi concluded by emphasizing that, from his perspective, only the final outcome matters, expressing satisfaction at seeing Morocco emerge as champions despite the controversy.

The situation continues to generate heated debate, with stakeholders awaiting further clarity on whether the decision will face additional legal challenges or be окончательно upheld by football authorities.