AFCON 2025 dispute: CAS to deliver ruling after 2026 World Cup

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation and Confederation of African Football (CAF) have turned down Senegal’s request to fast-track proceedings in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final dispute, which is currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

On March 26, lawyer Serge Vitouz, representing the Senegalese Football Federation, explained that CAS cases typically span between nine and twelve months.

He noted that an expedited process was being considered but would require approval from all involved parties, including CAF and the Moroccan federation.

He stated, “Court of Arbitration for Sport proceedings usually take between 9 and 12 months. The idea is to request an expedited procedure. But all parties must agree to this procedure.”

Vitouz further added, “We will see the positions of the other parties, namely the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. If the expedited procedure is accepted, we could get a ruling within two months.”

However, those hopes appear to have been dashed. According to journalist Romain Molina, writing on his X platform account, no accelerated process will be adopted. Instead, the final ruling is expected only after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

As a result, Morocco are set to enter the tournament as Africa’s reigning champions pending the outcome of the case. The Atlas Lions have been drawn into a group featuring Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, while Senegal, currently recognised as runners-up, will face France, Norway, and Iraq.

The controversy stems from the Africa Cup of Nations final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal secured victory through a decisive goal from Pape Gueye after extra time. The Lions of Teranga were awarded the trophy and medals following the final whistle.

Tensions, however, marred the match when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty decision awarded to Morocco by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala during a crucial phase of the second half.

In response, the Moroccan federation lodged an appeal, arguing that Senegal’s actions warranted disciplinary consequences. The CAF Appeals Committee ruled in Morocco’s favour on March 17, awarding them the title in a decision that sparked further controversy.

Senegal have since challenged that ruling at CAS, ensuring that the final verdict will now rest with the Lausanne-based court, as African football awaits a definitive resolution to one of its most dramatic recent disputes.