For over three weeks, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has stood by its decision to strip Senegal of hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a move that elevated Morocco as the automatic host due to chaotic scenes at the January 18 final in Rabat. The decision, though contested by Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, has now been formally communicated to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).

With the official notification received, the FSF is preparing to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for formal appeal, as confirmed by RMC Sport. This legal step is critical to challenging the CAF’s ruling and securing justice for Senegal’s football community.

CAS to deliver swift verdict on 2025 CAN host controversy

The CAF president has confirmed that the matter will be fully resolved by the CAS, though no exact timeline has been disclosed. Yet, given the urgency of the situation, a decision is expected within weeks. Once delivered, the ruling will be final and non-appealable for both Senegal and Morocco, putting an end to the ongoing dispute.

«The CAS is fully equipped to handle sports disputes with the highest degree of professionalism, relying on independent and specialized arbitrators,» stated Me Matthieu Reeb, Secretary General of the CAS. «We recognize the urgency felt by teams and fans alike and are committed to concluding the arbitration process as quickly as possible while ensuring all parties receive a fair hearing.»