The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expects to deliver its verdict on the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco within days, following the hearing’s conclusion in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday, October 8.
Addressing the media, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb says the panel will now focus on procedural and legal issues before issuing a reasoned decision that will determine the outcome of the protracted dispute.
“I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later. The facts are set, are clear, and the discussions will be on some procedural issues and legal aspects,” Reeb said.
The hearing ended after all parties presented their cases to the three-member arbitration panel, leaving the verdict as the next major development in a dispute that has kept African football awaiting clarity on the tournament’s title.
Reeb acknowledged the frustration among supporters over the time taken to resolve the case but stressed that the timeline had been agreed upon by all parties involved.
“I know it’s a long wait for the fans a few months after the final between Senegal and Morocco. The timetable and the procedural calendar were established with the agreement of the parties involved in this case,” he said.
He added that CAS, as the final authority in the dispute, was committed to delivering a reasoned award as soon as possible after the hearing.
The case stems from Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco after extra time in the January final in Rabat. Senegal’s celebrations were overturned in March when the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board ruled that the team had forfeited the match following a walk-off in protest against a late penalty decision.
CAF consequently awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, prompting the Senegalese Football Federation to appeal to CAS.
The hearing was held behind closed doors, with representatives of Senegal, Morocco and CAF presenting their arguments to the panel.
Although Reeb has indicated that a decision is expected within days, he has not specified an exact date for the ruling.
