The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed it has formally registered an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation challenging a controversial ruling over the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The appeal, filed against both the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, contests a CAF decision issued on March 17, 2026. That decision declared Senegal had forfeited the final and awarded a 3–0 victory to Morocco.
In its filing, the Senegalese federation is seeking to have the CAF ruling overturned and to be declared AFCON champions. It has also requested a suspension of procedural deadlines, arguing that the governing body has yet to provide the full reasoning behind its decision.
CAS confirmed that the case was registered on March 25 and that an arbitral panel will be constituted to hear the matter. Once formed, the panel will set a timetable for submissions, including the appeal brief and the respondents’ defence.
Under CAS rules, appellants are typically given 20 days to submit detailed legal arguments, followed by a further 20 days for respondents to reply. However, the tribunal indicated that no firm schedule can yet be established given the request to pause deadlines pending full disclosure of the CAF decision.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasized the tribunal’s readiness to handle the dispute efficiently while ensuring fairness.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
The proceedings will remain confidential while ongoing, in line with CAS rules. No timeline has been set for a hearing or final decision, leaving the outcome of the AFCON 2025 final unresolved for now.
