The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has pledged urgency as Senegal fight to reclaim their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown. The governing body confirmed it will act quickly, although no deadline has been fixed.
The controversy stems from the final on 18 January, where Senegal edged Morocco 1-0. However, that result was later overturned and recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Tensions escalated late in the match when Senegal’s players walked off after a stoppage-time penalty decision. Although they returned, the incident triggered disciplinary action and sparked a wider dispute.
Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA, Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled Senegal had forfeited the final. The decision effectively stripped them of the title.
Senegal have since taken the matter to CAS, hoping arbitration will restore their championship. “We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision,” said CAS director general Matthieu Reeb.
No timeline yet as legal battle threatens to stretch into World Cup period
“And we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing,” Reeb added, although his assurance offered little or no clarity about timing.
A statement added there is no confirmed schedule for a ruling at this stage. Consequently, uncertainty continues to hover over one of African football’s most dramatic finales.
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Meanwhile, former CAF disciplinary chief Raymond Hack warned the case could drag on. He suggested the process may take up to six months to conclude.
If so, the dispute could extend into the World Cup window, keeping the title unresolved. For now, both teams and fans remain in suspense.
Tags: Matthieu Reeb, Raymond Hack, Confederation of African Football, CAF, CAS, Court of Arbitration for Sport, Senegal, Morocco, AFCON 2025 final, #AFCON2025, CAF Appeals Committee.
