Patrice Evra has made his feelings clear on social media after Senegal were stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and Morocco crowned champions.
Morocco sent an appeal to CAF after they were beaten 1-0 by Senegal in the final in January. They weren’t happy at all that Senegal’s players left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty, leading to a near 20-minute delay.
Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick and Senegal went on to win courtesy of Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal.
CAF have now punished Senegal, saying in a statement: “The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
Patrice Evra Hits Out at CAF
Evra, who was born in Dakar, Senegal, but represented France at international level, has now taken to social media to make his feelings clear about the ‘disgraceful’ decision.
He said: “This is a disgrace for African football. A scandal. We all saw with our own eyes that Senegal won. My Moroccan brothers, I like you, but at some point you can’t take it this far, guys.
“The Africa Cup of Nations has really lost all its credibility. When I got the notification, I thought it was an April Fool’s joke. Nothing surprises me in football anymore, and that’s why I watch it less—because decisions like this are a scandal.”
Senegal Players Respond After They Are Stripped of AFCON Title
Senegal have vowed to appeal. “The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football,” a strongly-worded statement read.
“Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is fleeting. What truly matters is that every supporter can return home to their family. The Senegalese people have shown their true character: dignified in victory, dignified in adversity. That is Teranga. We know what we experienced that night in Rabat. And that, God willing, no one can take away from us.”
Senegal captain Sadio Mane is yet to speak out at the time of writing.
Aston Villa are preparing for a busy summer transfer window after they secured qualification for the Champions League.
It was a phenomenal 2025/2026 season for Unai Emery’s side, who qualified for the Champions League while also winning the Europa League.
Qualifying for Europe’s elite club competition will allow Villa to shop in a different market when it comes to new additions this summer.
Emery’s side won’t want to stand still despite their impressive campaign, and with players being linked with departures, it could be a busy transfer window.
Romano: Aston Villa Eyeing Goalkeeper
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Zion Suzuki is among a list of three goalkeepers that Aston Villa are interested in ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Midlands club are reportedly eyeing the Parma goalkeeper, due to talks between Emi Martinez and Juventus.
Liverpool are in the market for a new centre-back during the summer transfer window after it was confirmed that Ibrahima Konate would be leaving the club.
Konate departed Anfield and looks set to join La Liga side Real Madrid in the summer, with his contract at Liverpool expiring.
The French defender has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s defence in recent years, partnering Virgil van Dijk under both Arne Slot and Jurgen Klopp.
Konate has struggled for consistency at times, and Liverpool may have been looking to bring in a replacement this summer regardless. Konate’s departure has certainly pushed it higher up their priority list.
The Reds do have Jeremy Jacquet arriving this summer, after he was signed in January. It remains to be seen whether he will come in and be a guaranteed starter.
Bastoni is also left-footed, meaning he can provide balance in the back four alongside Van Dijk.
Having a left-footed defender as part of a defensive pairing is very beneficial, something Liverpool haven’t had the luxury of in recent years.
Bastoni is incredibly comfortable on the ball whilst also being a powerful, tough-tackling defender. There’s an argument to suggest that not only would he be a competent replacement for Konate, he would also be an upgrade.
Tottenham are incredibly busy in the summer transfer window already, but Tuttosport reports that a surprise swap deal could now be on the cards.
It comes as Spurs are looking to rebuild the squad to improve on their recent disappointing campaigns in the Premier League, with an initial focus on the backline.
Despite that, another centre-back could be on the cards in a surprise swap deal.
Gleison Bremer Swap Deal
According to reports from Tuttosport, Tottenham are interested in a move for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer as an option to replace Cristian Romero this summer.
It’s claimed that Roberto De Zerbi is keen on the ‘monster’ centre-back, having seen his work during his time at Sassuolo, while the Brazilian is also open to a potential exit from Juventus.
A €58 million (£50 million) release clause exists in the 29-year-old’s deal that the Bianconeri can point to in transfer discussions, but Spurs may have a trick of their own.
The report adds that Tottenham are trying to lower that valuation in transfer discussions by offering Guglielmo Vicario as an option, in what could be a potential swap deal if discussions moved in that direction.
A €20 million (£17.25 million) has been placed on the Italian goalkeeper, and while the interest in Bremer may not necessarily lead to a swap deal, it is suggested as an option for Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether it is possible, but it would be quite a surprise move for the Lilywhites, for several different reasons.
You scored
out of 20
Bremer Transfer Surprise
While Bremer has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past, a switch to Tottenham this summer would come as something of a surprise.
Even with exits expected for Romero and Radu Dragusin, Spurs are set to have plenty of centre-back options if they can get their current targets through the door.
Senesi and Van Hecke would be competing with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, and Luka Vuskovic for minutes, while the pairing of Robertson and Davies could also function on the left-side of the central pair.
Throwing Bremer into the mix would only unbalance things even further, not least when Tottenham don’t have the schedule to justify such strength in depth for one specific area.
Spurs are already making waves in the summer transfer window
Adding Vicario in for a potential swap deal may also be a surprise, as Spurs would likely reinvest anything into another goalkeeper to compete with Antonin Kinsky.
The goalkeeper does look set for an exit, however, even despite De Zerbi describing Vicario as a “top player” during his stint at the club so far.
Even if that is the case, he may not end up at Juventus, because recent reports have suggested that their priority will be Aston Villa ace Emiliano Martinez.
It remains to be seen if there is a twist in the tale that will see a swap deal occur, but it would be quite the surprise if so.
