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Pep Guardiola, in his pre-match interview ahead of the Man City vs Arsenal final, has reacted to CAF's verdict on the Senegal vs Morocco AFCON 2025 final.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has voiced his disbelief regarding the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
The controversial verdict, which followed a successful protest by the Moroccan Football Federation, ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final.
Speaking on the lack of transparency surrounding the ruling, Guardiola described the situation as a "surprise" during a press conference on Friday. "I don't know the reason… but it’s a decision made behind the scenes,"
Guardiola stated, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. "What happens everywhere is what we see—it’s not happened. It always happens behind the scenes and you don’t see their faces." His remarks echo a growing sentiment within the football world calling for more clarity in the disciplinary processes of major international tournaments.
The focus for Manchester City, however, quickly shifted to domestic silverware as they prepare for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal this Sunday. Guardiola confirmed that second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford will start in goal for the Wembley showpiece.
Despite potential rumblings regarding squad selection, the manager remained indifferent to player frustrations. "James Trafford will start," he reiterated. "His comments? No problem. Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is. Be here, do the best he can do, and after we’ll see what happens at the end of the season."
As City aims to clinch their first trophy of the campaign, the shadow of the AFCON verdict continues to loom over the international break, with Guardiola's critique adding significant weight to the demands for an explanation from CAF.
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