Guardiola Speaks Out On AFCON Drama, Confirms Trafford For Carabao Cup Final

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed surprise at the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco.

According to Ireporter Online, CAF’s Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the AFCON final, ruling that the Teranga Lions violated Articles 82 and 84 after leaving the pitch in protest of a stoppage-time penalty. The match was subsequently recorded as a 3-0 forfeit in favour of Morocco, a ruling that has sparked widespread debate in the football community.

Speaking on Friday, Guardiola admitted he had not fully understood the circumstances behind the decision but suggested it reflected broader issues in football governance. “It’s a surprise. I don’t have a proper opinion because I don’t know the reason why. I didn’t read, didn’t see,” he said. “But it’s a decision made behind-the-scenes. What happens everywhere is what we see, it’s not happened, it always happens behind the scenes and you don’t see their faces. That is what is happening lately in football and all around the world in other subjects.”

Away from the AFCON controversy, Guardiola confirmed his starting goalkeeper for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. James Trafford will continue in goal, keeping his place ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford has played in all of City’s matches in the competition this season and will aim to help the club secure its first trophy of the campaign.

Guardiola emphasized that player selection remains a fundamental part of football, requiring athletes to be ready for any opportunity. “Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is,” he said. “Be here, do the best he can do, and after that, we’ll see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready.”