Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced concern over the Confederation of African Football’s decision to revoke Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, Guardiola admitted he was taken aback by the development, suggesting the process lacked transparency.
“It’s surprising, I don’t know the reason, but it’s a decision that was made behind the scenes,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.
He further questioned the lack of openness surrounding such decisions.
“Decisions are now being made behind the scenes, and we don’t see the faces of those who stand behind these decisions,” he added.
The Spanish manager went on to suggest that this trend of opaque decision-making is not limited to football alone but reflects a broader global pattern.
“This is not new; it is what has been happening in football recently, and in the whole world as well,” he told the Associated Press. “Look at what’s happening around the world. There’s unbelievable chaos, and nobody is doing anything about it. Everything is happening behind the scenes. The world is on the verge of collapse, yet we are still here talking about hidden tricks.”
Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to bounce back from their recent disappointment in the UEFA Champions League when they take on Arsenal at Wembley. The Premier League side were knocked out following a 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium, exiting the competition 5-1 on aggregate.
