CAS expects ruling on Morocco-Senegal AFCON 2025 dispute by late November

15:30

By: Azzat Manal

CAS expects ruling on Morocco-Senegal AFCON 2025 dispute by late November

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has provided an update on the legal dispute involving Morocco and Senegal following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, saying its final ruling is expected by the end of November 2026. In a statement issued on Monday, October 19, the Lausanne-based tribunal confirmed that the arbitrators are deliberating after hearing the parties involved in the case.

The appeal was filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). CAS said the hearing took place behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8, 2026.

According to the tribunal, deliberations are ongoing and the panel intends to issue a fully reasoned decision, setting out the legal grounds for its conclusions. Preparing such a ruling requires the arbitrators to review the arguments and evidence submitted by the parties before reaching a final determination. The court said this process would take several weeks.

CAS has therefore indicated a timetable rather than announcing an outcome. Its statement did not disclose how the panel might rule, and the dispute remains under consideration until the decision is formally issued.

The case stems from an incident during the AFCON 2025 final, when Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The episode subsequently developed into a legal dispute involving the Senegalese federation, CAF and the Moroccan federation, bringing the matter before international sports arbitration.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport serves as an independent body for resolving disputes connected with sport. Its proceedings can address appeals against decisions made by sports governing bodies, with the tribunal examining the applicable rules, procedural issues and submissions from the parties. A reasoned ruling explains the legal basis for the panel’s decision.

CAS also stressed that information released through its official channels should be treated as the authoritative source for updates on the case. Any further announcement concerning the proceedings will be published on the court’s website.

The expected ruling could bring greater legal clarity to a dispute that has drawn attention from football supporters in both countries. Until the decision is published, however, the final outcome remains unresolved, and neither side can be regarded as having prevailed in the arbitration.