International Lawyer backs Morocco’s AFCON title triumph, gives CAF decision 75% chance at CAS

A new legal perspective has added a dramatic twist to the ongoing dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, with an international lawyer suggesting that Morocco national team has a strong chance of retaining the title.

Since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s on-field victory and awarded the trophy to Morocco, attention has shifted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, where both nations are preparing for a decisive legal battle.

In an interview with French outlet Onze Mondial, lawyer Romain Pizzini, who is experienced in handling cases before CAS, offered insight into the complexities of the case. He explained that CAS operates as an international judicial body similar to civil courts and has full authority to resolve the dispute, with CAF regulations granting national federations the right to appeal.

Pizzini highlighted the tight procedural timeline facing Senegal, noting that the federation must submit its case and pay the required legal fees within just ten days, a process that demands speed and precision. He also clarified that filing an appeal does not automatically suspend CAF’s decision, meaning Morocco remains the official champion unless Senegal secures urgent provisional measures. A final ruling, he added, could take up to a year.

On the legal substance of the case, Pizzini pointed to Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, focusing on the definition of a “team.” While Senegal argues that the presence of a few players on the pitch indicates the match was not abandoned, the rules require a minimum of seven players for a game to continue. The departure of the majority of the team, therefore, may be interpreted as a clear withdrawal.

He further noted that Morocco’s willingness to resume play could be seen as an “implicit waiver,” but stressed that CAS typically bases its decisions on the first confirmed violation, in this case the act of leaving the field without official approval. He also did not rule out the possibility of key figures such as Sadio Mané being called to testify as witnesses.

In his conclusion, Pizzini delivered a striking prediction, stating that there is a 75 per cent probability that CAF’s decision will be upheld. According to him, the strict application of regulations regarding match abandonment gives Morocco a strong legal advantage, even though Senegal may attempt to exploit procedural gaps in its defence.

As the case heads toward CAS, the final verdict will not only determine the rightful champion but could also set a major precedent for how similar disputes are handled in African football.