Senegal contests CAF decision as Morocco is named AFCON 2025 winner

The Senegalese Football Federation has officially challenged the ruling that stripped them of their continental glory. Following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to hand the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy to Morocco, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed on Wednesday that it has received a formal appeal from Sénégal.

A controversial finish under review

This legal move follows a week of intense debate after CAF penalized the Senegalese team for leaving the pitch during the final match against Maroc. Sénégal is pushing for the CAF verdict to be overturned, aiming to reclaim the title they secured on the field during extra time, thanks to a strike from Pape Gueye.

The tension peaked during the final moments of the game when the referee awarded a penalty to the Moroccans. Although Brahim Diaz failed to convert the spot-kick, the Senegalese players walked off in protest, only returning to the field several minutes later. This brief interruption became the catalyst for the subsequent disciplinary action that saw them lose their status as champions.

CAS prepares for a swift resolution

In a recent statement, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that an arbitration panel would be appointed to review the case. Once formed, a procedural calendar will be established. While a specific hearing date has not yet been scheduled, the organization emphasized its commitment to a transparent and timely process.

Matthieu Reeb, the Director General of CAS, stated that the tribunal is well-prepared to handle such high-stakes sports disputes with the help of specialized, independent arbitrators. He noted that the court recognizes the urgency felt by both teams and fans to reach a definitive conclusion, promising that the procedure will be conducted as quickly as possible while respecting the rights of all parties to a fair trial.