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FIFA leadership controversy 2026 – CAS hearing on AFCON 2025

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-07-26 13:36 UTC → 2026-07-28 10:45 UTC · added removed

League chief Javier Tebas continues to demand Gianni Infantino’s resignation over the 64‑team World Cup expansion and new match rules, while CAF president Patrice Motsepe repeatedly defends the FIFA chief, calling him a “loyal friend to Africa”. Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will remain a 24‑team tournament co‑hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and announced he will not seek a third CAF term, planning to step down in 2029. Motsepe stressed that the 2026 World Cup felt incomplete without Nigeria and Cameroon, both of which missed qualification. CAF scheduled a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing on 8 October 2026 in Lausanne to resolve the dispute over the 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, and set its 48th General Assembly for 21 November 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria. Guinea asked CAF to move its 2027 AFCON qualifier against South Africa to a neutral venue because of xenophobic violence. Morocco. The closed‑door hearing hearing, confirmed again on 24 July, will consider Senegal’s appeal be closed‑door; arbitrators will deliberate in private and issue a written judgment later. CAS warned against circulating misinformation, stressing that only its official communications are authoritative. The underlying controversy stems from CAF’s decision to strip the 2025 title Senegal of its on‑field victory and award a 3‑0 forfeit win to Morocco breaches the Laws of the Game, which give referees final authority. Senegal filed its appeal on 25 March 2026, arguing the forfeit ruling ignores the referee’s on‑field decision after a chaotic extra‑time finish in Rabat. CAF also imposed fines exceeding US$1 million and suspended Senegal coach Pape Thiaw along with several players. Senegal’s appeal, lodged on 25 March, argues that CAF misapplied its disciplinary regulations and that the referee’s on‑field decision should stand. Both parties declined an accelerated procedure, so the case will follow follows the regular CAS timetable. On 24 July 2026, CAS formally confirmed the 8 October hearing date, reiterated Motsepe stressed that no decision will be announced on the day, 2026 World Cup felt incomplete without Nigeria and warned Cameroon, both of which missed qualification. Guinea asked CAF to move its 2027 AFCON qualifier against circulating misinformation, stating that only official CAS communications are authoritative. The panel will deliberate after the hearing and issue South Africa to a written judgment later. CAF president Motsepe said he will respect and implement the CAS decision. neutral venue because of xenophobic violence. The split between league leaders demanding reform and African officials supporting Infantino remains pronounced.

Versions

  1. 2026-07-28 10:45 UTC FIFA leadership controversy 2026 – CAS hearing on AFCON 2025
  2. 2026-07-26 13:36 UTC FIFA leadership controversy 2026 – CAS hearing on AFCON 2025

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