The key facts

  • CAS held a closed hearing on 8 October and began deliberations in the case
  • On 17 March CAF overturned Senegal's victory in the final and awarded Morocco a 3:0 win and the title
  • Senegal filed its appeal with CAS on 25 March

Timeline for the decision in the AFCON final dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne announced on Monday that it expects to issue a decision at the end of November on Senegal's appeal against the decision awarding the 2025 Africa champion title to Morocco. According to the court's statement, a closed hearing on the appeal of the Senegal Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation took place on 8 October. 'The arbitrators have begun and continue their deliberations,' the CAS statement said.

Chronology of the dispute

The dispute concerns the AFCON final on 18 January in Rabat, where Senegal beat the hosts, Morocco, 1:0 in extra time after a chaotic end to regulation time. With the score at 0:0 in stoppage time, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and Senegal's players temporarily left the pitch in protest. After a lengthy pause the match resumed, and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved Brahim Díaz's 'Panenka'-style penalty. In extra time, Pape Gueye gave Senegal the 1:0 victory.

CAF decision and appeal to CAS

On 17 March, CAF's appeals committee, acting on Morocco's complaint, overturned the match result, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match for leaving the pitch without permission. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, the committee awarded Morocco a 3:0 victory and the continental title. Senegal filed an appeal with CAS on 25 March, seeking to overturn the CAF decision and be reinstated as champion of Africa.