The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has scheduled October 8, 2026, as the date for the hearing of Senegal’s appeal against the decision that awarded Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The legal dispute follows a controversial final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time to initially claim the continental championship.
The match, however, descended into controversy in the closing stages of normal time after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest, leading to a lengthy interruption before the team eventually returned to complete the match.
Senegal went on to secure victory through Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, but the outcome was later challenged by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Following an appeal, CAF’s disciplinary authorities ruled against Senegal, determining that the team had forfeited the final because of its temporary withdrawal from the pitch. The decision resulted in the match being recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco, effectively handing the hosts the AFCON title.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) rejected the ruling and took the matter to CAS, the highest independent body for resolving sports-related disputes.
CAS has now set October 8 for the parties involved to present their arguments before the arbitration panel. The hearing will be held behind closed doors at the sports court’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The hearing itself will not necessarily bring an immediate conclusion to the dispute. CAS is expected to issue its final decision after the panel has considered the submissions and evidence presented by both sides, with the timing of the verdict to be confirmed at a later date.
The case has become one of the most closely watched disputes in African football, with the final ruling carrying significant implications for the official outcome of the 2025 AFCON tournament.
For now, the status of the championship remains at the centre of the legal battle, with Senegal seeking to overturn CAF’s decision and Morocco waiting for the final outcome of the arbitration process.
The October 8 hearing will therefore mark a major step towards resolving the dispute and determining the final fate of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.