Pep Guardiola Praises Morocco’s Triumph at Manchester City Event

Pep Guardiola addressed the controversy around the CAF ruling during a pre-match press conference on Friday. The comments came a day before Manchester City faced Crystal Palace, with kickoff set for 16:00.

Guardiola’s measured response

The Manchester City coach said he was surprised by the decision. He added he had no strong view because he had not seen the documents or detailed reports.

Guardiola, the Catalan head coach of the Skyblues, suggested the ruling was made away from public view. He warned that much of what happens in football unfolds behind the scenes.

Comments on Morocco’s awarded win

The CAF verdict awarded Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on the green table. The decision followed a match that took place two months earlier and led to multiple consequences.

At the Manchester City event, Pep Guardiola acknowledged Morocco’s triumph but stopped short of full endorsement. He said the public narrative can differ from private decisions, and he refused to speculate further.

Context and timing

• The press conference occurred the day before Manchester City vs Crystal Palace.
• Kickoff time reported as 16:00 local.
• The CAF ruling came two months after the AFCON final in Rabat.
• Original coverage published 21/03/2026 at 14:42 and updated at 20:12.

Broader implications

Guardiola linked the situation to wider trends in sport and society. He argued that many decisions are taken out of public sight and that transparency is often lacking.

He offered no further explanation. Journalists were left without a clear stance from the manager.

This report is available on Filmogaz.com. It summarizes Guardiola’s remarks and the basic facts surrounding the CAF decision.