Senegal await CAS verdict over disputed AFCON final against Morocco

The legal dispute between Senegal and Morocco over the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final remains unresolved, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) yet to set a hearing date in the case brought forward by the Senegalese Football Federation.

The matter continues to cast a shadow over relations between the two football nations as Senegal and Morocco prepare to meet in the semi-finals of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday evening.

Senegal officially appealed to CAS on 25 March after the Confederation of African Football’s appeals board decided to award Morocco a 3-0 victory by default following the chaotic AFCON final played in Rabat.

On the pitch, Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory after extra time through a goal scored by Pape Gueye. However, CAF later overturned the result following incidents that led to the interruption of the match, eventually declaring Morocco winners of the tournament.

The legal process has continued to move forward, although at a slow pace.

An important stage in the proceedings came on 7 May, which had been set by CAS as the deadline for the Moroccan Football Federation to officially submit its defence documents in response to Senegal’s appeal.

Following the submission of Morocco’s defence brief, CAS must now continue compiling the case before deciding on the next procedural steps. No official hearing date has yet been announced.

Moroccan journalist and CAF Media Officer Izem Anass revealed that he had received communication from CAS confirming: “For now, no hearing date has yet been set.”

The case is currently being handled through a standard procedure rather than an accelerated process. Senegal had initially hoped for a faster resolution, but Morocco requested additional time in order to prepare its defence and gather technical and legal documentation.

Before any hearing can take place, a panel of three independent arbitrators must still be appointed to oversee the dispute. Oral submissions and deliberations will only follow after that process has been completed.

As a result, a final verdict is not expected anytime soon, with the decision likely to arrive well after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The prolonged uncertainty means one of African football’s most controversial recent finals continues to remain unresolved months after the events in Rabat.