Senegal secures CAF appeal decision to challenge Morocco’s CAN 2025 title

The Senegalese Football Federation has finally received the reasoned decision from the CAF Appeals Jury, paving the way for an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). After three weeks of uncertainty, this development allows Senegal to contest the Confédération Africaine de Football’s controversial decision to award Morocco the CAN 2025 title by default.

Key details of the CAF Appeals Jury’s decision

The document, shared with both parties, confirms Morocco’s victory (3-0) on technical grounds. However, it clarifies that the jury’s authority does not extend to distributing medals, trophies, or financial bonuses—matters now left unresolved. Despite this decision, the CAF Executive Committee has yet to issue an official statement on the tournament’s outcome, leaving fans and stakeholders in limbo.

The CAF President has reiterated reliance on the TAS to resolve the dispute, but no official timeline has been set for the tribunal’s deliberations. Meanwhile, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has reassured both teams and supporters of its capability to handle the appeal efficiently, emphasizing procedural fairness and expediency.

Next steps: What to expect in the TAS appeal process

The TAS has not yet announced a precise schedule, but its verdict will mark the definitive conclusion of the CAN 2025 saga. Matthieu Reeb, TAS’ General Director, highlighted the tribunal’s readiness to expedite the process while ensuring all parties receive due process. This appeal represents Senegal’s final recourse to challenge the outcome, with no further legal avenues available post-decision.

Unresolved questions post-decision

• The CAF Appeals Jury’s decision does not address the distribution of trophies, medals, or prize money.
• The CAF Executive Committee has remained silent on the official winner of CAN 2025.
• The TAS is expected to deliver a ruling that ends the controversy, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Background: The controversial final of CAN 2025

The appeal stems from the chaotic final match between Senegal and Morocco, marred by referee decisions, player protests, and crowd disturbances. The game was abandoned prematurely, setting off a chain of appeals and counter-appeals that have kept the football world on edge for over two months.