The Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) has examined the appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title. The hearing, held in Lausanne on October 8, 2026, was closed to the public and lasted several hours. Representatives from the Senegalese and Moroccan federations, as well as the CAF, presented their arguments to a panel of three TAS judges. A decision is expected in the coming days.
The dispute centers on the January 18, 2026, CAN final in Rabat, which ended in controversy. Senegalese players occupied the field for over 15 minutes to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. After returning to the field, Senegal won 1-0 in extra time. However, in March, the CAF's appeals committee declared Senegal forfeit and awarded the win to Morocco, sparking a heated dispute. The Senegalese government vowed to use all available avenues to contest the decision and called for an investigation into alleged corruption within African football.
The TAS hearing marks a significant step in the dispute, with the panel now tasked with evaluating the arguments presented by all parties. The CAF's decision to award Morocco the title was based on a disciplinary report, which Senegal disputes. The outcome of the TAS decision will have far-reaching implications for African football, with both Senegal and Morocco eagerly awaiting the verdict.
Matthieu Reeb, the TAS's general director, acknowledged the lengthy wait for a decision, stating that the procedure's timeline was established with the agreement of all parties involved. He expressed understanding for the impatience of fans from both countries and across Africa. The TAS decision is expected to bring closure to the contentious issue, which has dominated African football headlines for months.
The Senegalese government's involvement in the dispute has added a layer of complexity, with allegations of corruption and calls for an investigation. The country's authorities have been vocal in their support for the national team, and the government's statement in March emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the final.
Morocco was awarded the 2025 CAN title by the CAF following the disciplinary proceedings, which Senegal strongly contested. The Moroccan football federation has maintained that the decision was fair and in line with CAF regulations. The outcome of the TAS decision will have significant implications for the country's football team and its fans.
The TAS decision is expected to be announced in the coming days, bringing an end to the prolonged dispute. Both Senegal and Morocco are eagerly awaiting the verdict, which will determine the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision will have far-reaching implications for African football, and fans across the continent are watching with bated breath.
Key points
- The TAS decision will determine the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The dispute centers on a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in the final.
- The Senegalese government has called for an investigation into alleged corruption within African football.
