CAS schedules Oct. 8 hearing to decide 2025 AFCON champions

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set October 8, 2026, as the date for a high-stakes hearing that could determine the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The case centers on a dispute involving the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Senegal is appealing CAF’s decision to award the tournament to Morocco, citing irregularities during the final match held in Rabat on January 18, 2026. The hearing, which will take place at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, follows a formal appeal filed by Senegal on March 25, 2026. The Senegalese team challenges CAF’s ruling that they forfeited the final, resulting in a 3-0 administrative victory for Morocco. According to CAF, Senegal temporarily left the pitch in protest during stoppage time after a controversial penalty decision was made following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. This led to a 14-minute delay before play resumed. Morocco argued that Senegal’s action violated competition regulations, prompting the CAF Appeals Board to rule in favor of Morocco on March 17, 2026. CAS confirmed that the hearing will proceed under its standard procedural timeline, as the parties involved did not agree to an accelerated process. The case will be heard behind closed doors, as none of the parties requested a public session. Legal representatives from the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation will present their arguments, supported by documentary evidence and witness statements. The outcome will hinge on how the tribunal interprets the relevant articles of CAF’s competition rules, specifically Articles 82 and 84, which were cited in the CAF Appeals Board’s ruling. The dispute has generated significant debate within African football circles. The Senegalese Football Federation described the CAF Appeals Board’s decision as a “travesty,” claiming it lacked legal foundation. Meanwhile, Morocco and CAF maintain that Senegal’s actions during the final constituted a breach of protocol, justifying the administrative victory. The potential reversal of CAF’s decision could lead to a formal recognition of Senegal as the 2025 AFCON champions, altering the historical narrative of the tournament. CAS emphasized that no final ruling will be issued on the day of the hearing. After the proceedings conclude, the arbitration panel will engage in confidential deliberations before delivering a written decision at a later date. The timing of this decision remains unspecified, though it is anticipated to come after thorough evaluation of all submitted materials. In addition, CAS has cautioned against relying on unverified information, stating that only updates through its official channels are considered authoritative. The controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final began during the match itself. After the VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, prompting Senegal’s players to walk off the pitch in protest. They remained off the field for approximately 14 minutes before returning to continue the game. The penalty was ultimately missed, and Senegal won the match 1-0 after extra time. However, Morocco contested the outcome, asserting that Senegal’s withdrawal violated the tournament’s regulations. This led to the CAF Appeals Board’s intervention, which overturned the on-field result and granted Morocco the title. As the hearing approaches, the stakes remain high for all parties involved. The resolution of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of African football, particularly regarding the enforcement of competition rules and the handling of contentious matches. The CAS proceedings represent a critical juncture in the ongoing legal battle over the legitimacy of the 2025 AFCON championship.