The Court of Arbitration for Sport began hearing Senegal's appeal against CAF's decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco on Thursday, 8 October 2026. Matthew Reb, the CAS Secretary General, stated the hearing commenced on schedule with representatives from Morocco, Senegal, and the Confederation of African Football present.
Reb added that the ruling may take a few days, or perhaps a few weeks, if the arbitral panel needs more time to prepare a comprehensive decision with its reasoning and legal justifications. The panel consists of three professors: Gerald Simon of France, Ulrich Haas of Germany, and Luigi Fumagalli of Italy.
Case Background
The dispute stems from CAF's decision in March 2026 to strip Senegal of the title and award it to Morocco, following the temporary withdrawal of Senegalese players from the pitch during the final match held in January 2026. Senegal had won that final 1-0 on Moroccan soil. The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently filed a complaint with CAS to challenge CAF's ruling.
What the Verdict Means
If CAS upholds CAF's decision in favour of Morocco, the Moroccan national team will be crowned African champions for the second time. If it rules in Senegal's favour, Senegal will retain the title. This development comes as Morocco maintains a positive run of form, with two wins and two draws in its last five matches, including a 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October.
The final verdict from CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, is expected in the coming period.
The original report is at FilGoal
