The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has acknowledged receipt of an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation, challenging the ruling that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco.
In a statement dated 25 March, CAS said the appeal targets both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, following the contentious decision that declared Senegal to have forfeited the final.
CAF’s Appeal Board had previously overturned Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time victory, awarding Morocco a 3–0 win after ruling that Senegal had breached competition regulations during the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
CAS noted that the Senegalese federation is seeking to have CAF’s decision overturned and to be officially recognised as the rightful AFCON 2025 champions. The federation also requested a suspension of procedural deadlines until it is fully notified of the grounds for CAF’s ruling.
“A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter,” the statement said, adding that a procedural timetable will follow once the panel is constituted.
CAS further explained that, under its rules, Senegal has 20 days to submit its detailed legal arguments, after which CAF and Morocco will have another 20 days to respond. However, it noted that it is too early to determine when a final hearing will take place.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the body is prepared to handle the dispute and will ensure fairness in the process.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators,” he said.
“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.”