The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to announce its decision regarding the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal between October 18 and 22. This follows the conclusion of hearings in Lausanne on Thursday, where the arbitration panel has begun deliberating the case.
The controversy stems from the final match held in Rabat, Morocco, in January, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 on the field. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later awarded the title to Morocco, deeming Senegal the losing team. This ruling led the Senegalese Football Federation to seek an appeal at CAS.
Central to the dispute is an incident during the match when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision, but ultimately returned to complete the game. Senegal’s argument is based on Article Five of the Laws of the Game, which pertains to the referee’s authority. In contrast, Morocco’s position relies on Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, the same articles referenced by the CAF appeals committee in its ruling.
Matthieu Reeb, the Director General of CAS, acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the decision. He noted that all parties agreed on the procedural timetable and that the court aims to provide a reasoned verdict promptly after the deliberation session concludes.
