Senegalese football legend Khalilou Fadiga has called for calm and sportsmanship following the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award Morocco the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The decision was announced by CAF on March 18, 2026, after original hosts Guinea were stripped of the tournament due to inadequate infrastructure.
Fadiga, a former Senegal international, made his comments during a public event. He was quoted by Senegalese press as stating, "The Moroccan people are a friendly people," emphasizing the need to separate sporting decisions from international relations. His remarks are seen as an appeal for unity after the hosting announcement.
The 2025 tournament will be Morocco's second time hosting the continental championship, having previously staged the event in 1988. The North African nation, which finished as runners-up in the 2023 AFCON, had also been scheduled to host the 2015 edition before withdrawing due to Ebola concerns.
Fadiga's fellow former star El-Hadji Diouf was also present at the event, though his specific comments on the matter were not widely reported. The CAF's decision solidifies Morocco's status as a major football hub in Africa, following its successful co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
