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Rabat — Former Cameroon international Joseph-Antoine Bell has entered the heated debate surrounding the controversial 2025 AFCON final, offering a sharp and unapologetic critique of the Senegal players during the match.
In an interview with Le Parisien, Bell argued that the real damage to African football did not come from CAF’s ruling to strip Senegal of the title, as critics of Morocco attest, but from the actions of the Senegalese bench during the game itself.
Senegal’s temporary walk-off in protest of a late penalty decision is the moment for Bell, where the real problem lies. “What everyone is overlooking is the chaos that surrounded this match, caused by the Senegal coach’s decision to pull his players off the field,” Bell said.
The walk-off, which lasted several minutes, was ultimately judged a breach of competition regulations. However, while many have focused on the governing body’s decision, Bell believes the damage had already been done long before the verdict.
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A crisis of sportsmanship and accountability
Bell did not defend CAF blindly, but pointed directly at the behavior of Senegal’s players and coaching staff. “Those involved in this final must be held accountable. Senegal’s players should be condemned for their lack of sportsmanship when they left the pitch. This is unacceptable. What a terrible example for young players.”
His critique hits on a bigger issue: the lack of discipline and professionalism in the continental game. Bell feels the whole scene looked so messy that it completely took the focus off the football and hurt the reputation of African football globally.
While outrage has been directed at CAF for overturning a completed final, Bell took a more measured stance on the governing body’s actions. “The decision-makers fulfilled their duty, and I understand the delay in its announcement. Reaching the right decision takes time, which is normal.”
The ruling has led to discussions about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Yet Bell insists the process followed established rules. “The decision was made in accordance with the regulations, aligned with the rules, and was communicated within a reasonable time frame consistent with procedures.”
The fallout from the final has extended far beyond the pitch, fueling tensions and raising fresh concerns about governance, officiating, and sportsmanship in African football.
Bell’s intervention ultimately shifts the focus away from institutions and toward individual responsibility. In a controversy dominated by legal arguments and emotional reactions, his message is direct: the damage to African football was done on the pitch, long before the final verdict.
