The City boss reacted after CAF’s Appeal Board overturned the original final result on March 17, a ruling that has sharply divided opinion across the football world.
Earlier this week, CAF annulled Senegal’s 1–0 victory in the final, citing a breach of Articles 82 and 84 following the team’s walk-off in protest of a stoppage-time penalty decision.
The match was subsequently recorded as a 3–0 forfeit in favour of Morocco. Guardiola joins a growing list of prominent figures questioning the ruling, including Ahmed Hossam Mido, Roger Milla, and George Weah.
Reacting to the development, Guardiola offered a measured but pointed response.
“It’s a surprise,” he said. “I don’t have a proper opinion because I don’t know the reason why. I didn’t read, didn’t see.”
The Spaniard suggested such decisions are often made away from public scrutiny.
“But it’s a decision made behind the scenes. What happens everywhere is what we see; it’s not now, it always happens behind the scenes, and you don’t see their faces.”
The final, played on January 18, initially saw Senegal secure a 1–0 win after a tense and controversial contest.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
No comments:
Post a Comment