The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed it has received an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation challenging the outcome of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.
In a media release issued in Lausanne on 25 March 2026, CAS said the appeal is directed against the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over a controversial ruling that handed Morocco victory.
The release stated that the case concerns “a CAF decision on 17 March 2026 declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0.”
CAS confirmed the appeal was formally registered on 25 March 2026, noting that Senegal’s football body is seeking to overturn the decision and be declared tournament winners.
According to the statement, “the FSF appeal seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON. It also requests an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds.”
The arbitration body explained that the CAF ruling issued on 17 March was “operative only,” meaning detailed reasons for the decision are yet to be communicated.
CAS said an arbitral panel will be constituted to examine the dispute, after which a procedural timetable will be drawn up in line with its rules.
The release added that appellants typically have twenty days to submit their appeal brief, while respondents are granted another twenty days to file their defence.
However, CAS noted that “at this early stage of proceedings and considering the FSF request to suspend deadlines, it is not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline and to indicate when a hearing will be scheduled.”
Commenting on the development, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said: “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.”
CAS emphasised that details of hearing will be communicated once scheduled, noting that proceedings remain confidential while ongoing.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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