The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne began hearing the dispute regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) final on Thursday, October 8, 2026. This legal proceeding centers on the Senegalese Football Federation’s challenge against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to award the title to Morocco via a 3-0 forfeit victory.
The CAS Hearing Process in Lausanne
The hearing, conducted behind closed doors, involves representatives from the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations as well as the CAF. A panel of three arbitrators is tasked with reviewing the evidence and arguments submitted by all parties. The tribunal has confirmed that no verdict will be issued on the day of the hearing, with deliberations expected to continue following the session.
Disputed Outcome of the January Final
The legal conflict stems from the tournament final held on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. On the pitch, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco after extra time. However, the match was marked by significant controversy when a portion of the Senegalese squad left the field to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. The players eventually returned to complete the match, but the incident triggered an investigation by African football authorities.
On March 17, the CAF Jury of Appeal ruled that the Senegalese team had abandoned the pitch, a violation of competition regulations. Consequently, the governing body declared a 3-0 forfeit victory in favor of Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently appealed this decision to the CAS, seeking to have the original result achieved on the field reinstated.
The Broader Context of the 2026 Football Calendar
The CAS hearing is one of several major developments in the African football landscape this week. As noted by RFI, the focus on the CAN 2025 title dispute coincides with the return of domestic league action in Europe, specifically the Ligue 1 match between Lens and Lyon. Furthermore, the sport is closely monitoring the tenure of Hervé Renard, who has begun his term as manager of the Ivorian national team, known as the Elephants.
Remaining Questions Regarding the Title
Despite the commencement of the hearing in Lausanne, the ultimate winner of the 2025 tournament remains a matter of legal contention. The CAS has not provided a timeline for when a final decision or an official verdict will be announced, leaving the status of the continental title uncertain for both the Senegalese and Moroccan federations. The case remains subject to the private deliberations of the three appointed arbitrators.
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