The Senegalese football federation lodges an appeal against Morocco’s CAN 2025 title

Following the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title, the West African nation has escalated the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The move comes after a controversial finale against Morocco, where Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest.

From on-field victory to off-field controversy

Senegal had clinched the championship in extra time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye, but the celebration was short-lived. The match was overshadowed by a late penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed by Brahim Díaz. Senegalese players, dissatisfied with the refereeing decision, abandoned the field before returning minutes later.

Despite the on-pitch triumph, the CAF ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a forfeiture of the final, handing the title to Morocco by default. This decision sparked immediate backlash from Senegalese officials and fans alike.

Senegal seeks justice at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced it had filed an appeal with the CAS within a week of the CAF’s verdict. The tribunal confirmed receipt of the appeal and stated it would appoint a specialized panel to review the case. While no hearing date has been set, the CAS emphasized its commitment to resolving the dispute expeditiously while ensuring fair proceedings for all parties.

Matthieu Reeb, CAS Secretary General, reassured stakeholders: « The CAS is fully equipped to handle this type of dispute with the assistance of independent and specialized arbitrators. We understand the urgency for all involved, and we will prioritize a swift resolution without compromising fairness. »

What’s at stake?

The appeal revolves around two core demands by Senegal:

• Annulment of the CAF decision – Senegal argues that the walk-off did not constitute a forfeiture and that their victory on the field should stand.
• Reinstatement as CAN 2025 champions – The FSF seeks to reclaim the title and associated accolades, including qualification benefits for future tournaments.

The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in African football, influencing both sporting and legal protocols moving forward.

Next steps in the arbitration process

The CAS has indicated that it will establish a procedural timeline once the arbitral panel is formed. While the timeline remains uncertain, stakeholders on both sides are bracing for a decision that could reshape the legacy of the 2025 CAN.