Morocco-Senegal Africa Cup of Nations case: CAS ruling not expected immediately

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing into the dispute involving Morocco, Senegal and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ended earlier than scheduled on Thursday, but there is no indication that a decision is imminent.

The hearing concluded in Lausanne at around 15 minutes before the time outlined by CAS director general Matthieu Reeb. Representatives of Morocco, Senegal and CAF had attended the session, which began at the court’s headquarters in the Swiss city on Thursday morning.

Before proceedings began, Reeb said the hearing could continue until 15:00 local time – 16:00 Mecca time and 13:00 Rabat time. However, French broadcaster RMC reported that it ended slightly earlier than expected.

RMC also said the early conclusion of the hearing should not be interpreted as a signal about the decision expected from the three-member arbitration panel.

The case concerns an appeal linked to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, with uncertainty remaining over the outcome until CAS issues its formal ruling.

Morocco representatives leave without comment

Morocco’s representatives left the CAS headquarters after the hearing without speaking to the media, according to RMC.

Abdoulaye Sow, the secretary general of the Senegalese Football Federation, offered a brief assessment of his side’s presentation.

“Senegal defended itself well,” he said.

All possible outcomes remain open until the arbitration panel publishes its decision.

When will CAS announce its ruling?

A final decision was not expected on Thursday. In an earlier statement issued by CAS on 30 September, and in comments made by Reeb on Thursday morning, the court indicated that the ruling would not be delivered immediately after the hearing.

Reeb said the panel needed time to examine the case and prepare its decision, including the legal reasoning behind it.

“Our objective is to issue the decision as quickly as possible after the hearing,” he said.

“I do not think the decision will be issued today or tomorrow, and I am almost certain of that. However, it could take a few days or even a few weeks if the arbitrators want to prepare a complete decision containing the legal reasons,” he added.

The timing of the ruling therefore remains unclear, with CAS expected to announce its decision once the panel has completed its review of the appeal and finalised its legal reasoning.