AFCON 2025 dispute: Alleged second referee report emerges at CAS hearing

The legal dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal took a new turn at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing in Lausanne on Thursday, after Morocco’s legal team reportedly raised the existence of a second referee’s report.

The hearing was held behind closed doors as CAS considers Senegal’s appeal over the decision concerning the disputed final.

According to Senegalese website SeneNews, citing a source present in Lausanne, the Moroccan defence presented what it described as a second report from Congolese referee Jean-Dac Ndala, who officiated the final.

The report is reportedly intended to contain additional information to the official document submitted after the match.

However, the nature and contents of the alleged second report, as well as whether it can be admitted as evidence in the case, remain unclear.

CAF lawyers reject claim

The development reportedly prompted an immediate response from CAF’s legal representatives, who rejected the Moroccan side’s claim regarding the existence of the additional report.

The disagreement is notable because CAF and Morocco are on the same side of Senegal’s appeal before CAS.

The referee’s report is considered an important document in the case because it relates directly to the incidents surrounding the controversial AFCON final and the subsequent decision that is being challenged by the Senegalese Football Federation.

No CAS verdict on Thursday

Despite the heightened attention surrounding the hearing, CAS will not issue its decision on Thursday.

The hearing was conducted privately at the request of the parties, meaning neither supporters nor members of the media were allowed inside the proceedings.

Following the conclusion of the hearing, a three-member arbitration panel is expected to deliberate on the case.

CAS has not provided a specific date for the verdict but confirmed that a decision would not be issued on Thursday.

The ruling will determine the next chapter in the dispute surrounding the 2025 AFCON final and the competing claims involving Morocco and Senegal.