By OkayGoal 
Morocco international Mustapha Hadji has launched a fierce response to veteran coach Claude Le Roy, slamming his criticism of the controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco.
Hadji did not hold back, expressing anger at Le Roy’s remarks and demanding accountability for claims of alleged manipulation surrounding the decision.
“I’m angry at Claude Le Roy. He’s the king of stupidity and nonsense! When he talks about scheming, he should name names and provide evidence,” Hadji said in strong comments reported by Rothensenflamme.
Hadji firmly defended the ruling, insisting that the decision was based on established football laws and that responsibility lies with CAF officials rather than the Moroccan team.
“Justice has been served. There are rules in football, and they must be respected. You can only blame the CAF officials,” he added.
The exchange adds another layer of tension to the already heated fallout from CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the title and hand it to Morocco, a move that has divided opinions across the football world.
Le Roy, a highly respected figure in African football, had reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the ruling, fueling debate about governance and transparency within CAF. Hadji’s sharp rebuttal, however, underscores Morocco’s stance that the outcome, while controversial, followed due process under football regulations.
As reactions continue to pour in from across the continent, this war of words between two prominent figures highlights the deep divisions the decision has created. While some view the ruling as a necessary enforcement of the rules, others see it as damaging to the credibility of African football’s biggest tournament.
With emotions still running high, the AFCON 2025 controversy shows no signs of fading, as key voices like Hadji and Le Roy continue to clash over one of the most contentious decisions in the history of the competition.