CAS To Hear Senegal’s Case Against Morocco’s AFCON Title Award

CAS To Hear Senegal’s Case Against Morocco’s AFCON Title Award

By Our Reporter 

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receipt of an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), challenging a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAS said Senegal is seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling and be officially recognised as the tournament’s winner. The federation has also requested a suspension of the deadline for submitting its full appeal, pending CAF’s provision of detailed grounds for its decision, which was initially released without explanation.

CAS confirmed that an arbitral panel will be constituted to hear the case, after which a procedural timetable will be established. Under standard rules, appellants are given 20 days to submit detailed arguments, followed by a 20-day window for respondents to reply. However, proceedings remain on hold due to Senegal’s request.

CAS Director General, Matthieu Reeb, stated that the body is equipped to resolve the dispute efficiently while ensuring fairness. He noted that although fans and stakeholders are eager for clarity, due process will be maintained throughout the arbitration.

The appeal stems from CAF’s ruling on March 17, which upheld Morocco’s protest and declared that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final, awarding the match 3–0 to Morocco.

Senegal had originally secured a 1–0 victory in the final on January 18 in Rabat, courtesy of an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye. However, the match was marred by controversy after Senegalese players staged a 15-minute walk-off in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

CAF’s Appeals Board later overturned an earlier decision by its Disciplinary Board, ruling that Morocco’s protest was admissible and that Senegal’s right to be heard had not been adequately respected in the initial proceedings.

Reacting to the development, the FSF described CAF’s decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” arguing that it undermines the integrity of African football. The federation subsequently confirmed its intention to seek redress at CAS.

CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, acknowledged Senegal’s right to appeal, emphasising that all 54 member associations are entitled to pursue justice through appropriate channels, including CAS.

Meanwhile, Morocco’s head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, welcomed CAF’s ruling, describing the decision to award the title to his side as “well-deserved.” He congratulated the players, staff, and supporters, adding that the outcome had been positively received within the country.

CAS is expected to provide further updates once the arbitration panel is constituted and proceedings formally commence.