The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has scheduled October 8 for a landmark hearing that could ultimately decide the rightful champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Senegal and Morocco.
The hearing will examine the circumstances surrounding the case after an appeal was lodged challenging the outcome of the competition. The verdict could have major consequences, with the possibility of confirming the existing champions or altering the final standings, depending on CAS’s ruling.
The Senegalese Football Federation had appealed against the CAF Appeals Board’s ruling that the Teranga Lions had forfeited the final, leading to a 3-0 administrative victory for Morocco and their declaration as African champions.
CAS announced that the hearing will take place behind closed doors on October 8, after the parties failed to agree on an accelerated process. The proceedings will therefore follow the court’s standard arbitration timeline.
“The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules. The hearing will take place behind closed doors,” CAS stated.
The hearing is expected to feature legal representatives from the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, each presenting detailed arguments, documentary evidence, and witness submissions before the arbitration panel.