Senegal will have to wait until the end of November to learn whether the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will restore the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title it won on the pitch or uphold the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award it to Morocco.
The Lausanne-based court announced on Monday that its arbitrators had opted for a comprehensive award rather than a summary judgment following closed-door hearings held on October 8.
“The CAS arbitrators have decided to issue a complete ruling which includes legal grounds, known as a CAS Award,” the statement read. “This process will require several weeks, with the CAS Award expected at the end of November 2026.”
The AFCON 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal was plunged into controversy when the Senegalese team walked off the pitch to protest a late penalty awarded to Morocco in the closing minutes of regulation time. Play resumed after a 15-minute delay. Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal went on to win the match in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.
In March, however, the CAF appeals panel overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 default victory and the title on the grounds that Senegal had staged an unauthorised walkout. Senegal subsequently appealed the decision to CAS, seeking to have its on-field victory reinstated.
If the court rules in Senegal’s favour, the Teranga Lions will be officially restored as continental champions. Should the appeal be dismissed, Morocco will be confirmed as the titleholders of the 2025 edition.
