Senegal's Gueye offers to return medals after AFCON dispute

Senegal and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye has stated he is prepared to return his winner's medals from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco in an effort to ease diplomatic tensions. The gesture follows the controversial final of the tournament, where Senegal initially celebrated victory before the title was later awarded to Morocco.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ultimately declared Morocco the champions of the 2025 AFCON after a protracted review of the final match. This decision overturned the initial on-field result that had led Senegal to celebrate a victory.

In comments reported by AFP, Gueye expressed that while he and his teammates believe they were the true champions on the pitch, he is willing to make the symbolic gesture of returning the medals for the sake of sportsmanship and regional harmony. The dispute has caused significant strain between the two nations' football federations and fan bases.

The Senegalese Football Federation had previously lodged formal appeals against CAF's decision, but these were unsuccessful. Gueye's offer is seen as a personal attempt to move past the controversy, though it does not change the official sporting outcome.