AFCON dispute: CAS to hear Senegal appeal October 8

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has announced it has set a date to hear Senegal’s appeal for its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title stripped by CAF. The Switzerland-based court stated it will hear from both parties in the suit at its headquarters in Lausanne on October 8. Senegal had won the AFCON […]

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has announced it has set a date to hear Senegal’s appeal for its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title stripped by CAF.

The Switzerland-based court stated it will hear from both parties in the suit at its headquarters in Lausanne on October 8.

Senegal had won the AFCON 2025 title following a 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in extra time, despite leaving the pitch for 15 minutes in protest over a contentious penalty awarded the Atlas Lions.

Morocco had lodged a complaint to CAF following the defeat, and Africa’s football governing body’s Appeals Board ruled in favour of Morocco, prompting Senegal to approach CAS in March to overturn CAF Appeals Board decision and return Senegal as AFCON 2025 champions.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms a hearing has been scheduled for the procedure between the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF, in French) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French) (“The Parties”) concerning the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON 2025).

“The hearing will take place on 8 October 2026, at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.”

CAS, however, disclosed that both Senegal and Morocco’s football federations did not request for an expedited hearing, hence the October 8 date.

They also requested for deliberations to remain private and behind closed doors.

More importantly, CAS informed the public that a decision on the case is not expected on the day of hearings, as deliberations will commence after the hearing before a decision is announced later.

It however did not reveal the date for its final decision.

“The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules.

“The hearing date was decided after consultation with the Parties, who also did not request that it be made public. This means it will take place behind closed doors.

“After the hearing, the Panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing.”

Both countries are seeking to claim their second AFCON titles, with Senegal clinching a second title in the last three AFCON tournaments while Morocco seek to be declared winners for the first time since 1976.