This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. The legend of Moroccan football and former Sporting player, Mustapha Hadji, reacted to the surprising decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award Morocco the victory in the CAN final on paper, stating that 'justice has been served.' In an unexpected turn of events, the CAF declared Morocco the champion of the last Africa Cup of Nations, a decision that shook African football. In statements to RMC, the former Moroccan international (63 games and 13 goals) defended the position. 'Justice has been served. I think that in football there are rules, and from the moment they exist, they must be respected,' Hadji stated, adding: 'I believe Morocco did nothing more than respect the laws of football. If Senegalese players were in danger, if their lives were at risk or they were threatened, I would understand if they left the field, but here… If we have to discuss refereeing decisions all the time, dissect everything and act this way, it’s complicated.' Despite agreeing with the decision, the former midfielder harshly criticized the CAF for the time it took to resolve the case, considering that the delay diminishes the achievement. 'To announce a decision like this two months later is, of course, surprising. Today, we Moroccans are happy to be African champions, but it doesn't have the same flavor, and we have the impression that we were given a gift,' he lamented. Hadji pointed fingers at the leadership of the confederation: 'We can only blame the CAF leaders. At some point, we need to put competent people in place, capable of making a decision in the moment. Because this casts a shadow over all African football, and it’s regrettable, as it is a beautiful competition, but I say it from the heart, it is managed by incompetents.' In his remarks, Hadji also targeted Claude Le Roy, former coach of Senegal, who suggested the existence of manipulation. 'The final was ruined and will go down in history as a waste, but we won it, which is paramount for Moroccan football. But I mainly blame certain people, like Claude Le Roy. For me, today he is the king of stupidity,' Hadji declared, continuing: 'Talking about manipulation, I think he is going too far. I have respect for him and his career, but here he is the king of nonsense. At some point, proof of manipulation must be presented.'
Sporting Mustapha Hadji remains central to this story.
Sporting Mustapha Hadji remains central to this story.
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