Walid Regragui, Morocco's former national team coach, faces criticism from Senegalese media for allegedly attempting to influence public perception ahead of a crucial Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling on the contested 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The Senegalese website SeneNews published a scathing report accusing Regragui of waging a media campaign to cement Morocco's narrative before CAS delivers its verdict in Lausanne on 8 October 2026.
The controversy centres on the disputed final held on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Senegal won 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring in the additional period. A late penalty incident involving Edouard Mendy's save of Brahim Diaz's spot-kick dominated post-match discussion. However, the CAF Appeals Committee reversed an earlier disciplinary ruling in March 2026, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by withdrawal under Article 84 of the competition regulations. Senegal lodged an appeal with CAS on 25 March 2026, rejecting the administrative decision.
Media Strategy Under Fire
SeneNews argues that Regragui's recent media appearances constitute a coordinated effort to shape public opinion before CAS rules. The former coach has featured on Moroccan podcasts and contributed analysis for Canal+, a platform that grants him substantial reach across North African audiences. The website contends these statements repeatedly highlight the controversial penalty decision and Pape Thiaw's conduct as Senegal's manager, attempting to build a predetermined narrative favourable to Morocco's claim.
The report criticises what it calls Regragui's "victory in public opinion" strategy, noting the disparity in media access compared to Senegal's coaching staff. It also recalled his pre-match comments urging Moroccan supporters to intimidate Senegal's players, suggesting this inflammatory rhetoric contributed to the final's hostile atmosphere.
The Path Forward
The situation remains unresolved despite CAF's administrative award to Morocco. Senegal's Federation maintains that the disciplinary sanctions imposed—including a five-match ban and $100,000 fine for Thiaw—violated due process. With the CAS hearing scheduled for October 2026, African football awaits a definitive legal ruling that could either overturn CAF's decision or cement Morocco's continental crown, making this one of the most consequential disputes in recent AFCON history.
