CAS sets October 8 for Senegal-Morocco AFCON title dispute hearing
Court of Arbitration for Sport to hear appeal
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has scheduled a hearing for October 8 to address the dispute concerning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. The hearing will take place at the court’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, and will be held behind closed doors, as none of the involved parties requested a public session. This announcement confirms earlier press reports that indicated a September or October hearing, dispelling social media rumors about an immediate ruling.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) lodged its appeal on March 25, seeking to overturn a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). CAF had ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title. The FSF’s appeal requests that CAS declare Senegal as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Background to the dispute
The controversy stems from the AFCON final played in Rabat on January 18. During extra time, Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The match was delayed for approximately 14 to 15 minutes before Senegal returned to play. Morocco’s penalty attempt was missed, and Senegal later scored through Bab Gaye, securing a 1-0 victory after extra time.
Despite Senegal’s on-field victory and being presented with the trophy, the events surrounding the walk-off led to further action. A CAF Disciplinary Committee initially imposed only fines, but the CAF Appeals Committee subsequently overturned this decision. The Appeals Committee stripped Senegal of the title and administratively awarded the final to Morocco with a 3-0 scoreline, citing a violation committed by Senegal. The Senegalese Football Federation rejected this ruling, calling it “unfair” and “administrative theft,” and formally appealed to CAS.
Proceedings and potential outcomes
The CAS hearing will involve the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The court clarified that the parties did not agree to fast-track the case, meaning it will proceed according to the standard timeline outlined in CAS procedural rules. After the hearing concludes, the arbitration panel will begin its deliberations. CAS has stated that a final decision will not be rendered on the day of the hearing, and a date for announcing the ruling cannot yet be set.
The outcome of the CAS hearing will determine the fate of the tournament’s title. Two main possibilities are in play: either CAS upholds CAF’s decision, confirming Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, or it annuls the sanction, restoring the on-pitch result and awarding the title to Senegal. CAS has also issued a warning against the spread of inaccurate information online, emphasizing that only statements from its official channels are authoritative. Earlier this month, CAS had already denied rumors of a ruling in favor of Senegal.
African football fans are awaiting the sports court’s decision, which will either uphold CAF’s ruling of March 17 or annul it. The appeal by Senegal seeks to set aside CAF’s decision and have the FSF declared the winners of AFCON 2025.
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Source: goal.com
