CAS sets late-November target for Senegal’s AFCON title appeal
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will issue a reasoned ruling on Senegal’s challenge to CAF’s decision awarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco.
The Lead
The Court of Arbitration for Sport said on October 19 that it expects to rule by the end of November on Senegal’s appeal against the loss of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco.
Key Facts
- Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in January’s final.
- CAF’s Appeal Board declared Senegal had forfeited the match and recorded a 3-0 Moroccan victory on March 17.
- Senegal lodged its CAS appeal on March 25; the hearing was held on October 8.
Article Body
Senegal’s players temporarily left the field after Morocco received a penalty late in regulation time. They returned, Morocco missed the spot kick and Senegal scored in extra time to win 1-0.
CAF’s Appeal Board subsequently found that Senegal’s conduct fell under the competition’s forfeiture provisions. Its March 17 decision overturned the on-field result and entered a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
The Senegalese Football Federation asked CAS to set aside that decision and declare Senegal the tournament winner. The federation’s case against CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was heard behind closed doors in Lausanne on October 8.
CAS initially indicated that a decision could follow within days. It now says the panel will prepare a complete award containing its legal reasoning, requiring several more weeks. CAF’s result therefore remains in place while the appeal is pending. Will the panel uphold the forfeiture ruling or restore Senegal’s victory on the field?
What to Watch
The decisive signal will be how CAS applies CAF’s forfeiture rules to Senegal’s 14-minute walkout after the referee allowed the players to return and complete the final.