CAS hears appeal over 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title dispute

Africa Cup of Nations CAS hearing Senegal football Morocco football CAF dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) held a closed-door hearing in Lausanne on October 8, 2026, to address the ongoing dispute regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The case involves an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation against a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of its on-field 1-0 victory over Morocco and award a 3-0 win to Morocco instead.

The dispute stems from the January 18, 2026, final in Rabat, where Senegalese players briefly left the pitch in protest of a penalty decision. While the match eventually resumed and Senegal won in extra time, CAF's Appeal Board later ruled the temporary exit constituted a forfeit.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb indicated that a reasoned decision is expected within days or weeks. The legal proceedings focus on the interpretation of CAF regulations and the authority of referee decisions under IFAB laws. While some legal experts and former players have expressed confidence in Senegal's position, others suggest Morocco holds a strong legal standing based on tournament rules.

Entities

Confederation of African Football · Court of Arbitration for Sport · Gérard Simon · Matthieu Reeb · Morocco · Royal Moroccan Football Federation · Senegal · Senegal Football Federation

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 9 SOURCES] The dispute originated during the January 18, 2026, final in Rabat when Senegalese players briefly left the pitch in protest of a penalty. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.football365.fr · www.babnet.net · +4 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Senegal won the match 1-0 after extra time before the title was stripped. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.football365.fr · www.babnet.net · +4 more
[● 5 SOURCES] The CAS panel is presided over by French sports law expert Gerald Simon. www.adomonline.com · www.nadorcity.com · lakome2.com · al3omk.com · www.lesiteinfo.com
[DISPUTED] CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated a decision is expected within days or weeks. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.guinee360.com · www.nadorcity.com · +1 more
[● 7 SOURCES] CAF ruled the temporary exit of players constituted a forfeit, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.football365.fr · www.babnet.net · +2 more
[● 10 SOURCES] The CAS held a hearing on October 8, 2026, in Lausanne regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title dispute. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.guinee360.com · lakome2.com · +4 more
[● 9 SOURCES] Senegal is appealing a CAF decision that stripped them of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco. ahouevinfo.tg · lesoleil.sn · www.adomonline.com · www.guinee360.com · www.football365.fr · +4 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Lawyer Patrick Kabou expressed high confidence in Senegal's legal position following the hearing. www.senenews.com