The Court of Arbitration for Sport will deliver its ruling on Senegal’s appeal by the end of November. The decision concerns the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat in January. They were stripped of the title two months later. The Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match by walking off the pitch. It awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by default. Senegal appealed to CAS. The hearing held in Lausanne on 8 October. CAS initially said it expected a decision within days. It has now decided to issue a full award with legal grounds.
The final was chaotic. A penalty was awarded against Senegal late in regulation time. Senegal’s players walked off the pitch for 14 minutes. Several went to the dressing room in protest. They eventually returned. Morocco missed the penalty. The match went to extra time. Senegal scored the winner. They celebrated with the trophy. Two months later, CAF took it away. The case is now at sport’s highest court. The precedent matters. If CAS upholds the forfeit, future teams will think twice before walking off. If it overturns, CAF’s authority takes a hit. The ruling will shape how African football handles protest and discipline.
The panel is presided over by French sports law expert Gerald Simon. He is assisted by Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and Hamburg-based attorney Ulrich Haas. Senegal’s argument is that the referee’s decision is final and he allowed the match to be completed. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the facts are clear. The discussions concern procedural and legal issues. “This process will require several weeks,” CAS said. “The CAS Award is expected at the end of November 2026.” The award will carry the weight of a national court judgment. It is enforceable under the New York Convention.
Winners: Morocco, which currently holds the title. CAF, if the forfeit stands. Lawyers and CAS, which gain a high-profile case. Losers: Senegal, who lost a title they won on the pitch. Their players and fans. CAF, if the ruling goes against it. The credibility of African football’s disciplinary process, whichever way it goes.
Bottom Line: Senegal won the final. CAF took the trophy away. CAS will decide who is right. The wait is long. The stakes are high. African football is watching.