CAS hears case over disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title

On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne began hearings regarding an appeal filed by the Senegal Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The dispute concerns the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Senegal initially defeated Morocco 1-0 in January following a goal by Gueye. However, the match was marred by a temporary walk-off by Senegalese players following a penalty awarded to Morocco by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

Two months after the match, the CAF Appeals Committee ruled to award the title to Morocco with a 3-0 technical victory, citing the unauthorized exit of the Senegalese team from the field. Senegal is now seeking to overturn this decision through the CAS. During the hearing, representatives and lawyers for Senegal, Morocco, and CAF presented their respective positions before a three-member panel.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated that no immediate verdict is expected. The court must thoroughly review the case files before issuing a final decision. While the process will take time, officials aim to provide a ruling as quickly as possible.