The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) challenging the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to declare Senegal had forfeited the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 final and award the title to Morocco.
CAS confirmed on Wednesday that it had registered the appeal, which was filed against both CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The CAF ruling, issued on 17 March 2026, stated that Senegal had forfeited the final and recorded a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
In its appeal, registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF is seeking to have the decision set aside and for Senegal to be declared winners of the tournament. It has also requested an immediate suspension of the deadline for submitting its full appeal brief until CAF provides the complete written grounds for its operative decision.
A CAS arbitral panel will now be appointed to consider the case, after which a procedural calendar will be established. Under normal CAS rules, the appellant has 20 days to file a detailed appeal brief setting out its legal arguments, with the respondents then having a further 20 days to submit their defence. However, because of the FSF’s request to suspend time limits, it is not yet possible to set a timeline or indicate when a hearing might be scheduled.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said: “CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
The matter remains at an early stage and proceedings are confidential. CAS said it would provide media with accurate updates on any hearing if and when one is scheduled.
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