AFCON 2025: CAS to Hear Senegal’s Appeal Against Morocco’s Awarded Title

The battle over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title is heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), as Senegal challenges the decision to strip it of the trophy and award Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The dispute follows the January final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, the match was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal’s players and officials left the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The final remained goalless deep into stoppage time when Senegal thought Ismaila Sarr had scored, only to learn that the referee had already awarded Morocco a free-kick. In the 98th minute, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, triggering angry reactions from Senegal’s bench and supporters.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw led some players and officials towards the tunnel, while clashes involving supporters and security personnel briefly disrupted order. Play eventually resumed, but Morocco missed the opportunity to secure the title when Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty in the 124th minute. Pape Gueye then scored in extra time to give Senegal a 1-0 victory.

Morocco’s football federation subsequently challenged the result, arguing that Senegal had breached competition regulations by leaving the pitch before the match ended without the referee’s authorisation. In March, the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) appeals board ruled in Morocco’s favour, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the match and awarding Morocco a 3-0 win.

Senegal’s football federation rejected the ruling as unfair and unprecedented before appealing to CAS, sport’s leading arbitration body. The court, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, handles disputes involving sporting regulations, transfers, contracts and competition results. Its decisions are generally final, subject to limited grounds for challenge before Switzerland’s highest court.

The hearing is expected to take place in private, with a panel of three arbitrators considering the case. However, CAS has warned that a verdict will not be delivered on the day of the hearing. Under its procedural rules, appeal decisions should generally be issued within four months, although panels are encouraged to conclude cases sooner.

The ruling could have significant implications for African football and the enforcement of competition rules. A decision in Senegal’s favour would reverse CAF’s controversial award and could intensify calls to review its regulations. Regardless of the outcome, tensions between the two federations are likely to persist following a final that sparked debate over refereeing, player conduct and the administration of African football.