The Court of Arbitration for Sport has scheduled a hearing for October 8, 2026, regarding Senegal's appeal against the decision that overturned their on-field victory against Morocco into a forfeit loss. The proceedings will be held behind closed doors at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne. At the conclusion of this exceptional case, only one team will be definitively recognized as the African champion.
Senegal demands the return of its title
The Senegalese Football Federation is contesting the decision rendered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Its appeal, registered on March 25, directly targets CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Senegal is requesting the annulment of the administrative 3-0 result awarded to Morocco. It is also demanding to be officially declared the winner of the competition, in accordance with the result obtained in the final played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.
A final won 1-0 on the field
The match was initially won by the Lions of Teranga 1-0 after extra time. Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game, allowing Senegal to lift the trophy ahead of the host nation. But the end of regulation time descended into chaos. A few minutes after a Senegalese goal was disallowed, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco. The Senegalese players, led by their coach Pape Thiaw, left the pitch in protest. The match was interrupted for approximately 14 minutes. Sadio Mané eventually convinced his teammates to return to the field. Upon resumption, Brahim Diaz attempted a Panenka penalty, which was saved by Édouard Mendy. Senegal then scored during extra time to win the final.
Morocco declared winners 3-0 by default
Initially, the disciplinary sanctions imposed after the incidents did not alter the sporting result. Morocco, however, contested this decision. The CAF Appeals Committee ultimately ruled that the Senegalese players' temporary departure constituted abandonment of the pitch under the competition regulations. In March, this committee annulled Senegal's victory and declared the Lions of Teranga defeated by forfeit. The official score was set at 3-0 in favor of Morocco, who thus regained the title nearly two months after losing the final on the field. The decision was based in particular on the provisions stipulating that a team leaving the field before the end of regulation time, without the referee's permission, can be declared the loser and eliminated from the competition. Senegal, on the other hand, maintains that the match resumed with the agreement of the officiating team, that it was completed, and that its result was officially validated.
No expedited procedure
The case will not be treated as an emergency. The various parties have not reached an agreement to launch an expedited procedure. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will therefore follow its usual schedule. The date of October 8th was set after consultation with the Senegalese Football Federation, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Moroccan Football Federation. As no party requested a public hearing, the proceedings will be held without spectators or journalists present. The representatives of Senegal will have to argue their request to overturn the CAF's decision. For their part, the CAF and the Moroccan Football Federation will be able to support the validity of the forfeit awarded against the Lions of Teranga.
No verdict will be reached on October 8th.
The hearing on October 8 will not immediately determine the winner. After the arguments and review of the case file, the arbitrators will begin their deliberations. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has already stated that its decision will not be issued that same day. No date has been announced for the verdict. Morocco therefore retains its 3-0 administrative victory, while Senegal continues to demand recognition of its on-field win.
One trophy, two claimed winners
This procedure is intended to put an end to an exceptional situation. Senegal won the final, celebrated the title, and lifted the trophy. Morocco was subsequently declared the winner by the CAF Appeals Committee. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) must now determine whether the temporary departure of the Senegalese players justified a forfeit loss, despite their return to the pitch and the completion of the match. Its decision will definitively establish the name of the 2025 African champion and decide who legally owns the trophy.
