The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has acknowledged an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), contesting the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAS confirmed that Senegal is seeking to overturn the ruling and be officially declared champions.
The FSF has also asked for additional time to submit its full appeal, pending a detailed explanation from CAF regarding its earlier decision, which was issued without comprehensive justification.
CAS indicated that an arbitration panel will be formed to handle the case, after which a timeline for proceedings will be set.
Normally, appellants are given 20 days to file detailed submissions, with respondents afforded another 20 days to reply.
However, the process is currently paused following Senegal’s request.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb assured that the body is prepared to handle the matter efficiently while upholding fairness and due process, despite growing pressure from fans and stakeholders for a swift resolution.
The dispute originates from CAF’s March 17 decision, which upheld Morocco’s protest and ruled that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final.
As a result, the match was awarded 3–0 in favour of Morocco.
Senegal had initially claimed a 1–0 victory in the final played in Rabat on January 18, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time.
The game, however, was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF’s Appeals Board later reversed an earlier ruling by its Disciplinary Board, stating that Morocco’s complaint was valid and that Senegal had not been given a fair hearing in the initial process.
In response, the FSF described CAF’s decision as unjust and damaging to the credibility of African football, confirming its move to seek legal redress through CAS.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged Senegal’s right to challenge the ruling, noting that all member associations are entitled to pursue appeals through appropriate legal channels.
On the other side, Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi backed the decision, saying the title award was deserved and celebrating the outcome with players and supporters.
Further updates are expected once CAS formally constitutes the arbitration panel and begins proceedings.
