The Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) in Lausanne has started its deliberations in the highly anticipated case between Senegal and Morocco regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final. The dispute arose after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) were appealed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). The TAS is expected to render its decision by the end of November 2026.
The controversy began when the CAF's appeals committee ruled Senegal lost the final by a 3-0 forfeit. This decision cited articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations, which prohibit leaving the field before the end of the match without the referee's permission. The Senegalese Football Federation strongly contested this ruling, describing it as "the most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport."
The TAS has announced that it will issue a comprehensive decision, including the legal grounds, known as a "TAS sentence." This process is expected to take several weeks, with the final decision anticipated by the end of November 2026. The football community is eagerly awaiting the outcome, as it will have significant implications for the sport in Africa.
The dispute originated from the final match between Senegal and Morocco. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation had filed a complaint, leading to the CAF's appeals committee ruling in their favor. The Senegalese Football Federation promptly appealed this decision to the TAS, seeking a reversal.
The TAS's decision will have far-reaching consequences for African football. The outcome will determine the winner of the 2025 CAN and may set a precedent for future disputes. The football community is closely watching the developments in Lausanne, awaiting the TAS's verdict.
The deliberations by the TAS are ongoing, with the arbitrators carefully considering the arguments presented by both parties. The TAS's comprehensive decision will provide clarity on the matter and bring closure to the controversy surrounding the 2025 CAN final.
The final decision by the TAS is expected to bring an end to the dispute, providing a resolution to the controversy that has engulfed African football. The outcome will be closely monitored by football fans, officials, and governing bodies across the continent.
Key points
- The Tribunal Arbitral du Sport is expected to render its decision on the 2025 CAN final controversy by the end of November 2026.
- The dispute arose from a CAF ruling that Senegal lost the final by a 3-0 forfeit due to leaving the field before the end of the match.
- The TAS's decision will have significant implications for African football, determining the winner of the 2025 CAN and potentially setting a precedent for future disputes.
