CAS confirms Senegal’s appeal over controversial CAF decision declaring Morocco AFCON champions
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially confirmed receipt of an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) challenging a controversial ruling surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final.
In a media release issued from Lausanne on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, CAS stated that the appeal is directed against both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
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”The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF, in French) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French),” the statement said in part.
Background to the dispute
The case stems from a CAF decision made on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, which declared that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON 2025 final. As a result, Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory, effectively handing them the continental title without the match being played to completion under normal circumstances.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the FSF is now seeking to have the decision overturned and is pushing for Senegal to be recognized as the rightful champions of the tournament.
What Senegal wants
In its submission to CAS, the Senegalese federation is asking for several key outcomes:
The annulment of CAF’s decision
Recognition of Senegal as AFCON 2025 winners
Immediate suspension of the deadline to submit a detailed appeal brief until CAF provides a fully reasoned decision
Also, the federation argues that the initial CAF ruling was communicated without comprehensive justification, prompting their request for more time to prepare a full legal response.
Next steps in the process
CAS has confirmed that an arbitral panel will be constituted to handle the case. Once formed, the panel will outline a procedural timeline for submissions from all parties involved.
Under CAS rules, the appellant, in this case, the FSF, typically has 20 days to file a detailed appeal brief. The respondents, CAF and FRMF, are then granted an additional 20 days to submit their defense.
However, due to Senegal’s request to suspend procedural deadlines, CAS indicated that it is too early to determine when the hearing will take place or when a final decision might be issued.
Meanwhile, the CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasized the institution’s readiness to handle the matter efficiently while maintaining fairness.
He noted that CAS has the expertise and independence required to resolve such disputes and acknowledged the keen interest from fans and teams awaiting clarity on the final outcome. Reeb assured that proceedings would be conducted as quickly as possible without compromising the integrity of the process.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.” He said.
The CAS also reiterated that the arbitration process remains confidential while ongoing. Updates will only be shared publicly if and when a hearing is scheduled.
A case with major implications
The outcome of this appeal could have significant consequences for African football, particularly concerning governance, disciplinary procedures, and the integrity of major competitions like AFCON.
With Senegal pushing to overturn one of the most contentious decisions in recent tournament history, all eyes will now be on CAS as it prepares to adjudicate a case that could reshape the narrative of AFCON 2025.
