Tribunal Arbitral du Sport Sets Verdict Timeline for CAN 2025 Final Appeal
Je sais bien que l’attente des supporters, aussi bien sénégalais et marocains que tous les fans africains, est très longue,
acknowledged Matthieu Reeb, director general of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), pointing toward a decision in the dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations final. Ten months after the final of the CAN-2025, CAS examined the Senegalese appeal on Thursday, October 8, against the disciplinary ruling that awarded the title to Morocco. Reeb told reporters in Lausanne that the tribunal aims for a motivated ruling within a few days, or even a few weeks
(TV5Monde).
Legal Arguments and the Core Dispute Before CAS
The landmark litigation centers on whether the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal jury correctly applied tournament regulations after the January 18 final. In that match at Rabat, Senegal was crowned champion of Africa (1-0) after extra time following a prolonged disruption. Senegalese players temporarily left the pitch for roughly fifteen minutes after protesting a late penalty awarded to Morocco and a previously disallowed goal. Although Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing spot-kick and Senegal ultimately won via an extra-time strike from midfielder Pape Gueye, the match triggered intense disciplinary fallout (TV5Monde).
Acting on a filing from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), the CAF appeal jury ruled on March 17 that Senegal forfeited the match 3-0 under articles 82 and 84 of the CAN regulations, which forbid teams from leaving the pitch before the end of the match without referee authorization. In response, the Senegalese federation elevated the case to CAS, arguing under the International Board’s “Laws of the Game” that match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala validated the final result on the pitch and that on-field refereeing decisions are final (TV5Monde).
Procedural Focus and Expert Legal Analysis
Legal specialists following the proceedings note that the panel in Lausanne must weigh whether its primary function is to re-evaluate the sporting outcome or to scrutinize the procedural validity of the CAF appeal decision. Sports lawyer Me Renaud Duchêne, speaking to Le360, explained that the tribunal will primarily determine whether the FRMF’s appeal to the CAF was filed within required deadlines and formal parameters, rather than simply overturning the scoreline. While the Moroccan side defends the strict enforcement of forfeiture rules regarding the pitch evacuation, the Senegalese legal team maintains that the referee retained sole authority over the match completion and chose not to abandon it (TV5Monde).
Debates concluded on Thursday, October 8, following final oral arguments behind closed doors at the request of the parties, with the dossier officially placed in deliberation (Medias24). Reeb emphasized the strict independence of the court, stating that the final ruling will rest entirely on legal principles rather than political considerations (TV5Monde).
Stakes and Broader Press Reactions
The stakes highlight a sharp contrast in pressure between the two finalists. As noted in analysis of the legal battle, Morocco enters the CAS proceedings with the CAF’s 3-0 administrative victory already secured, meaning a negative ruling would simply revert the record to the initial 1-0 defeat on the pitch. Conversely, Senegal faces immense pressure to protect a continental title that players and supporters have already celebrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the CAS hearing held for the CAN 2025 final dispute?
The Court of Arbitration for Sport held its final hearing for oral arguments on Thursday, October 8, in Lausanne, Switzerland, after which the panel placed the case in deliberation (TV5Monde, Medias24).
Why did the CAF award the 2025 title to Morocco on paper?
The CAF appeal jury ruled on March 17 that Senegal forfeited the January 18 final with a 3-0 scoreline, citing CAN regulations prohibiting teams from leaving the pitch before the end of the match without referee permission (TV5Monde).
What is the legal basis of the Senegalese appeal at CAS?
Senegal’s legal defense rests on the International Board’s Laws of the Game, arguing that referee Jean-Jacques Ndala exercised his authority to resume play after the quarter-hour interruption and that his on-field decisions are final (TV5Monde).
