The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially registered an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) challenging a decision that awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final to Morocco following a controversial forfeit ruling.
In a media release issued on 25 March 2026, CAS confirmed that the appeal is directed against both the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
Dispute Over AFCON 2025 final
At the centre of the dispute is a CAF decision made on 17 March 2026, which ruled that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON 2025 final, effectively handing victory to Morocco with a 3-0 scoreline.
The ruling meant that Morocco were officially declared champions of the tournament without the final being played under normal competitive circumstances – an outcome that has sparked debate across African football.
The FSF is now seeking to overturn that decision, arguing that the ruling should be set aside and that Senegal should instead be declared the rightful winners of the tournament.
In addition, Senegal has requested the immediate suspension of the deadline to submit its full appeal brief, citing the need to receive the complete grounds for CAF’s decision.
CAS process underway
CAS confirmed that the appeal was formally registered on 25 March 2026, and that an arbitral panel will be appointed to hear the case.
Once constituted, the panel will establish a procedural timetable. Under CAS rules, the appellant—in this case Senegal—has 20 days to file a detailed appeal brief, after which the respondents (CAF and the Moroccan federation) are given a further 20 days to respond.
However, CAS noted that due to the early stage of proceedings and Senegal’s request to suspend deadlines, it is not yet possible to determine when a hearing will take place.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasized the institution’s readiness to handle the case.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators,” Reeb said. “We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
High stakes for African football
The case carries significant implications for African football governance and tournament integrity. AFCON, organized by CAF, is the continent’s premier international competition and a major global football event.
A reversal of the decision could potentially alter the official outcome of AFCON 2025 – an unprecedented scenario in the tournament’s history.
For Senegal, the appeal represents a fight to reclaim what they believe was unfairly taken away, while for Morocco, the case introduces uncertainty over a title already awarded.
Broader context
Disputes of this magnitude are typically handled by CAS, which serves as the highest legal authority in international sport. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS has previously ruled on high-profile football cases involving FIFA, CAF, and national federations.
While forfeits in football are not uncommon — often resulting from administrative, disciplinary, or eligibility issues — having such a decision affect a major final is rare and likely to draw intense scrutiny.
The case also highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and decision-making processes within African football administration, with stakeholders increasingly demanding clearer communication and accountability.
What happens next?
As proceedings move forward, all parties will prepare legal arguments before the CAS panel determines the outcome.
For now, the matter remains confidential, with CAS stating that further updates will be provided once a hearing is scheduled.
Until then, the football world waits for a ruling that could redefine the outcome of AFCON 2025 and set a major precedent for how disputes of this nature are handled in the future
