The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially dismissed reports claiming it has already reached a verdict in the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title dispute between Senegal and Morocco. The clarification comes after days of speculation fueled by viral social media posts and unverified documents.
CAS Clarifies No Ruling Issued Yet
According to French publication Foot Mercato, citing Senegalese broadcaster RTS, CAS confirmed that the appeal lodged by the Senegal Football Federation remains under examination. No final ruling has been issued, and the court urged supporters and stakeholders to ignore unofficial documents circulating online. The court emphasized that any official decision will be communicated through established channels after the legal process is completed.
Background of the Dispute
The controversy stems from the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 AFCON final, held on January 19, 2026. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 to lift the continental title, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later withdrew the championship and awarded it to Morocco. This followed a contentious late penalty incident that saw Senegal's players briefly leave the field in protest. CAF based its decision on Articles 82 and 84 of its regulations, which allow for the elimination of any team that leaves the field without the referee's permission.
Legal Arguments and Expert Opinions
Senior sports lawyer Zaeem Soofie of Fairbridges Wertheim Becker, quoted by Forbes, described the dispute as entering "uncharted legal waters," noting that both federations have credible legal arguments. Senegal's legal team contends that Article 83 weakens CAF's position, as the referee never officially recorded the team's absence before allowing play to continue. Additionally, questions have been raised over IFAB's Law 5.2, which states that decisions made by the referee regarding the result of a match are final. Legal experts believe the referee's decision to restart and complete the match after the lengthy interruption has complicated the case, creating uncertainty over whether CAF was entitled to overturn the result after the final whistle.
Impact on African Football
The unresolved status of the appeal means one of African football's biggest legal disputes remains pending. The outcome could have significant implications for future CAF regulations and the authority of match officials. CAS has made it clear that the matter is still under review, urging patience until a final verdict is reached.
