Pape Gueye remains adamant about keeping his CAN 2025 medal. While Senegal clinched a 1-0 extra-time victory against Morocco on January 18, the African Football Championship title was revoked in March. In an interview with L’Équipe, the Villarreal midfielder expressed his conviction that Senegal deserved to be recognized as champions.

“Of course I do, because we are simply the champions of Africa,” Gueye stated. “We won this final on the field, and the whole world saw it. There were those controversial moments, the interruption, but the game resumed. When the penalty was awarded, no Moroccan player wanted to stop—everyone wanted to take it. So why should the outcome be revisited? And besides, the medals are already with us.”

The controversies during the match arose late in the game when a Senegalese goal was disallowed before a penalty was awarded to Morocco. Following this decision, the Senegalese team temporarily left the pitch. After returning, Brahim Díaz missed his penalty attempt with a panenka.

Senegal appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

During extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal. Since then, teammate Idrissa Gueye suggested he might return his medal to ease tensions. Pape Gueye quickly dismissed the idea. “No, that was just a joke,” he clarified. “I told him I’m not giving up my medal! The whole world knows Senegal won the cup.”

In late March, Senegal displayed their African Championship trophy during a friendly match at the Stade de France. Following the CAF Appeals Committee’s decision, the Senegalese Football Federation appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS has not yet set a timeline for its ruling, which will mark the end of this ongoing saga—no further appeals will be possible.