The dispute between Senegal and Morocco over the 2025 CAN final has reached a new stage, with the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) examining the Senegalese Football Federation's appeal against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to declare Senegal forfait and award the title to Morocco. The hearing, taking place in Lausanne on October 8, 2026, is being held in French and is closed to the public.
The controversy dates back to the January 18, 2026, final match in Rabat, where Senegal won 1-0 in extra time through a goal from Pape Gueye. However, the match was interrupted when Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch after a VAR decision awarded a penalty to Morocco, which was subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz. The CAF's Jury d'Appel later declared Senegal forfait and awarded the title to Morocco, prompting the Senegalese Football Federation to appeal to the TAS.
A key issue in the dispute is whether the Senegalese players' temporary withdrawal from the pitch constitutes an abandonment of the match under CAF regulations. The TAS may draw parallels with the 2019 case of Wydad-Espérance de Tunis, where the Wydad refused to resume play after an interruption and were subsequently declared forfait. However, the context of the Senegal-Morocco match differs, as the Senegalese players returned to the pitch and completed the match.
The TAS has the power to review the CAF's decision and may confirm, annul, or modify it. The Tribunal may also refer the case back to the relevant authorities. At this stage, the outcome is uncertain, and the parties must await the TAS's decision, which will be made after the hearing.
The hearing is being conducted by a panel of three arbitrators, who will deliberate and render a verdict at a later date. The TAS's decision will have significant implications for the 2025 CAN title and the participating teams. The Senegalese Football Federation is seeking to overturn the CAF's decision and potentially reinstate Senegal as the winners of the tournament.
The dispute highlights the complexities and challenges of international football governance, particularly in cases where national teams and governing bodies disagree over regulations and procedures. The TAS's role in resolving such disputes is critical, and its decision will be closely watched by football stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
The final decision in the matter will likely have far-reaching consequences for the teams involved and may set a precedent for future cases. The TAS's judgment will bring closure to the dispute, but until then, the football community remains in suspense.
Key points
- The TAS hearing marks a critical juncture in the dispute between Senegal and Morocco over the 2025 CAN title.
- The outcome of the hearing is uncertain, with several possible scenarios, including confirmation of the CAF's decision, annulment, or referral of the case.
- The TAS's decision will have significant implications for the 2025 CAN title and the participating teams.
