Senegal AFCON Appeal Hearing Fixed for October

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title in favour of Morocco has been scheduled for October 8. The hearing will be conducted behind closed doors at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The controversy stems from the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal initially defeated Morocco 1-0 with an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye. However, the match was overshadowed by chaos late in normal time when several Senegalese players walked off in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco while the game was still goalless. Reports indicated that some Senegal supporters also attempted a pitch invasion, causing nearly a 20-minute disruption before the players returned to the field.

In March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the match result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the AFCON 2025 title. In response, Senegal lodged an appeal with CAS seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling.

Senegal supporters clash with security services after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco late on during the Africa Cup of Nations final match between Senegal and Morocco, Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo)

A CAS statement noted: “Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside a CAF decision declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0.” The statement added that Senegal is requesting CAS “declare the FSF winners of AFCON 2025.”

CAS has clarified that no final decision will be rendered on the day of the hearing. Football fans across the continent are now awaiting the proceedings, which could redefine the official record of the AFCON 2025 final.

The October hearing marks a critical juncture for both football federations, as CAS reviews the procedural and disciplinary aspects surrounding the Senegal-Morocco final and the subsequent CAF ruling.

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Tope Oke

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