The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that it expects to deliver its verdict by the end of November on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip the country of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
In a statement, the Lausanne-based court confirmed that a hearing involving the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation took place behind closed doors on October 8.
CAS said the panel handling the case had begun its deliberations and was continuing to examine the matter ahead of its anticipated ruling.
The dispute centres on the AFCON final played on January 18 in Rabat, Morocco, where Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory over the host nation after extra time.
The match ended in controversy during stoppage time in regulation play when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The decision triggered protests from Senegal’s players, who temporarily left the pitch.
Play eventually resumed after a lengthy interruption. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the effort.
Senegal subsequently took the lead in extra time through Pape Gueye, whose goal secured what appeared to be the country’s victory and the continental championship.
However, the outcome was overturned on March 17 after CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in favour of Morocco following a complaint by the Moroccan football authorities.
The board determined that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field without authorisation. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON competition regulations, CAF awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, making the North African country the official champion under its ruling.
Senegal challenged the decision on March 25 by filing an appeal with CAS, seeking to overturn CAF’s verdict and regain the AFCON title.
The arbitration court’s forthcoming decision will determine whether CAF’s ruling stands or Senegal’s appeal succeeds.
Until CAS delivers its verdict, the legal dispute over the 2025 AFCON championship remains unresolved.
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