The stolen crown? CAS prepares final verdict on Morocco and Senegal's bitter AFCON dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS is preparing to issue its final verdict on the disputed Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title between Senegal and Morocco following a pivotal hearing in Switzerland.

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The disputed 2025 AFCON final

The controversy stems from the chaotic final played in Rabat on 18 January 2026. Senegal national team defeated tournament hosts Morocco national team 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal following a dramatic sequence of events.

Late in normal time, Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to the Atlas Lions. The match was delayed for approximately 14 minute before the players returned.

Brahim Díaz missed the subsequent spot-kick and Senegal eventually secured the victory on the pitch.

However, the result was short lived. On 17 March, the Confederation of African Football CAF Appeal Board overturned the outcome. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations, the board ruled that the temporary walk off constituted an illegal abandonment resulting in a 3-0 forfeit victory and the continental title being awarded to Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation quickly rejected the ruling and submitted a formal appeal to CAS on 25 March aiming to reinstate its championship.

The legal battle at CAS

The dispute escalated to a closed door hearing in Lausanne on 8 October where a three member arbitration panel reviewed procedural and legal arguments from both federations and CAF.

Speaking to reporters, as quoted by Reuters, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb indicated that the panel, chaired by French sports law expert Gérald Simon alongside Luigi Fumagalli and Ulrich Haas, would require time to prepare a fully reasoned conclusion.

"I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow but a few days later" Reeb explained following the proceedings.

While Senegal's General Secretary Abdoulaye Sow expressed optimism following the session, the Moroccan delegation has maintained public silence as they await the final ruling.

What happens next?

The impending CAS judgment will permanently shape the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

If the arbitrators uphold CAF's strict application of the forfeiture regulations, Morocco will remain the official 2025 champions with a recorded 3-0 victory. Conversely, a successful appeal by the Lions of Teranga would restore the original 1-0 extra time result and return the trophy to Senegal.

The decision will not only crown the rightful champion but also set a major legal precedent regarding how temporary match disruptions are penalised in African football. Until the court announces its official verdict, the continent's most prestigious title remains in limbo.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Morocco

Senegal

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations