Le Roy: I did not blame Morocco in the “Cannes” crisis

French coach Claude Le Roy sparked widespread controversy in African football circles, after his recent statements in which he spoke about “the existence of manipulations” against the backdrop of the decision of the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, before he returned to clarify his position and reduce the intensity of the controversy.

During his media appearance, Le Roy had hinted that there were “unclear matters” in the decision that awarded the championship title to the Moroccan national team some time after the end of the final, which angered a wide segment of the Moroccan fans, who considered his statements a direct accusation against the Kingdom.

In the midst of this tension, the French coach came out with a new clarification via a video clip that he posted on his accounts, stressing that his statements were “misunderstood,” and that his criticisms were not directed at Morocco or its players, but rather at some officials in international football decision-making circles.

Le Roy explained that he does not hold any negative attitude towards Morocco, stressing that the “Lions” presented an exceptional tournament at all levels, describing the last edition of the “Cannes” as the best in the history of the competition, both in terms of organization and technical level.

The same spokesman added that his objection was focused on the timing of the decision and the way it was taken, highlighting that crowning a team two months after the end of the final raises more than a question mark, without that meaning questioning the value of the Moroccan team or its general eligibility for the title.

Despite the intensity of the controversy, at the end of his last appearance, Le Roy appeared to have tried to contain the situation by praising Morocco and its organization of the tournament, in a move aimed at calming the atmosphere and turning the page on the dispute.

Le Roy's statements sparked strong reactions, including criticism from former Moroccan international Mustafa Hajji, who strongly attacked the French coach, accusing him of making judgments without evidence.

These developments come in the context of the great controversy that accompanied the decision of the CAF Appeals Committee, which considered that Morocco defeated Senegal by three clean goals in the Cup final.