The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receipt of an appeal from Senegal seeking to overturn the decision that stripped them of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
The appeal follows a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded hosts Morocco a 3-0 victory and the championship, two months after the final.
Background to CAF Decision
CAF had, on March 17, ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after their players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest during the closing stages of the match played on January 18.
The decision effectively overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory, handing Morocco their first AFCON title in 49 years.
CAF cited Articles 82 and 84 of its regulations, which state that any team that abandons a match without the referee’s approval automatically forfeits and loses by 3-0.
Senegal Heads to CAS
Senegal is now challenging the ruling at CAS, describing it as unjust and contrary to the principles of fair play and sporting ethics.
A statement from Senegalese authorities criticised the decision as “unacceptable” and damaging to African football, insisting that the team rightfully won the match on the pitch.
CAS confirmed that an independent arbitral panel will be constituted to hear the case, with both parties given 20 days each to submit their arguments.
CAS Director-General, Matthieu Reeb, assured that the matter would be handled swiftly while ensuring fairness to all parties involved.
Controversy Over Laws of the Game
The ruling has also sparked debate over the application of the Laws of the Game as set by the International Football Association Board.
According to IFAB Law 5, decisions made by the referee regarding match results are final, raising questions about CAF’s authority to alter the outcome after the game had been completed.
What Happened in the Final
The final match was marred by controversy late in stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review.
Senegal players, protesting the decision, briefly left the pitch, causing a 17-minute delay.
Key moments include:
A disallowed Senegal goal in stoppage time
A late penalty awarded to Morocco
A temporary walk-off by Senegal players
A missed penalty by Brahim Diaz
A decisive extra-time goal by Pape Gueye
Senegal eventually won 1-0 after extra time, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy playing a crucial role.
Reactions from Both Camps
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed CAF’s decision, stating that their appeal was aimed solely at ensuring adherence to competition rules, not disputing on-field performance.
On the other hand, the Senegalese Football Federation described the ruling as “iniquitous and unprecedented,” vowing to pursue justice at the highest level.
Several Senegal players, including Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye, and Ismaila Sarr, have also reacted on social media, expressing disbelief over the decision.
Wider Implications for African Football
The development has generated mixed reactions across the football community, with many stakeholders expressing concern over the image of African football.
Analysts say the case could set a major precedent for how disputes involving match conduct and competition rules are handled in the future.
The final verdict from CAS is expected to take several months, leaving uncertainty over the rightful champions of the tournament.
As the legal process unfolds, the 2025 AFCON final remains one of the most controversial in the history of African football, with both sporting integrity and regulatory authority now under intense scrutiny.