Pellegrini weighs in: Morocco’s stars won’t crown the title this way—let the trophy sit vacant

Manuel Pellegrini comments on the AFCON 2025 final controversy involving Morocco’s Amrabat and Zaazouli. He notes the CAF decision to strip Senegal and award Morocco 3-0 after an appeal, highlighting the complexity of crowning a champion in such circumstances. Ahead of Betis’ clash with Athletic Bilbao, he says he spoke with the Moroccan stars and stresses that winning matters, though not necessarily in the way they intended. The coach suggests that leaving the title vacant might be a prudent option, and he has previously criticized the Senegalese reaction to the Morocco penalty.