CAS fixes October 8 hearing in Senegal’s challenge to Morocco’s 2025 AFCON title

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has fixed October 8 for the hearing of a high-profile case that could determine the rightful winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The arbitration will see the Senegalese Football Federation challenge the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over CAF’s decision to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco.

The dispute centres on CAF’s ruling that Senegal forfeited the tournament’s final, resulting in a 3-0 administrative victory for Morocco, which was subsequently declared African champion.

Senegal is seeking to overturn the decision through an appeal before the Lausanne-based sports tribunal.

In a statement, CAS confirmed that the hearing would be held behind closed doors after all parties failed to agree to an accelerated hearing process.

“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,” the court said.

Legal representatives of the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation are expected to present their arguments, documentary evidence and witness testimonies before the arbitration panel.

The panel will examine the applicable sporting regulations, CAF competition rules and legal arguments before reaching a decision on the case.

A ruling in favour of Senegal could overturn CAF’s earlier decision and potentially alter the official outcome of the 2025 AFCON tournament, while a dismissal of the appeal would uphold Morocco’s status as African champions.

Although CAS has confirmed the hearing date, it has not indicated when its final judgment will be delivered.

Following the October 8 proceedings, the arbitration panel is expected to deliberate privately before issuing its written decision at a later date.