AFCON 2025 final dispute: Senegal ready for legal battle at CAS

More than two months after one of the most controversial conclusions in African football history, the fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final has taken a fresh turn, with Senegal preparing to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

What was meant to be a showpiece occasion between Morocco and Senegal in Casablanca instead descended into chaos. Tensions in the stands spilt over, disrupting the atmosphere and eventually impacting events on the pitch.

The situation deteriorated to the point where the Senegalese team withdrew before the match could reach its conclusion, bringing an abrupt end to the final.

In the aftermath, the Confederation of African Football ruled in favour of Morocco, awarding them a 3-0 victory because Senegal’s withdrawal lacked sufficient sporting justification.

The decision immediately sparked outrage from the Senegalese Football Federation, setting the stage for a prolonged legal confrontation.

Senegal responded by lodging an initial appeal with CAF’s Appeals Committee, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the match made it unsafe to continue.

They argued that security concerns played a decisive role in their decision to leave the field and warranted a reassessment of the outcome.

However, after weeks of deliberation, the Appeals Committee upheld the original ruling. It maintained that the withdrawal was ultimately a decision taken by the Senegalese side, while also clarifying that matters relating to the title, medals, and financial rewards fell outside its jurisdiction.

Despite this ruling, CAF has yet to formally declare Morocco as champions, leaving an unusual cloud of uncertainty over the tournament’s official conclusion.

With the Appeals Committee’s reasoned decision now delivered, Senegal has been cleared to take the next step. According to reports, the federation is finalising its case for submission to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, where it will seek either a reversal of the decision or a reconsideration of the final’s result.

The court has not yet outlined a timeline for proceedings, but any verdict delivered is expected to be final. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the urgency surrounding the case, stating that efforts would be made to ensure a timely process while safeguarding the principles of a fair hearing.

As the dispute moves into its crucial phase, both sides remain firm in their positions.

Morocco continue to stand by CAF’s ruling, while Senegal are determined to prove that their withdrawal was driven by exceptional circumstances that must be taken into account.