AFCON 2025 CONTROVERSY: SENEGAL TAKES FIGHT TO CAS IN BID TO RECLAIM TITLE

Sadio Mané Sadio Mané is a decorated Senegalese forward renowned for his success with Liverpool FC and the Senegal national team, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (2021) and being named African Footballer of the Year twice (2019, 2022). Major honors include the Champions League (2019), Premier League (2020), and the 2022 Socrates Award for charity work.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receipt of an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

The controversy began when Senegal walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the final, leading CAF to declare Morocco the 3-0 winners.

The FSF's appeal, filed on March 25, 2026, argues that the decision was "unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable" and contradicts sporting ethics. They are seeking to have the decision overturned and be officially recognized as the AFCON 2025 champions. The FSF wants CAS to set aside the CAF decision and declare Senegal the winners of AFCON, plus an immediate suspension of the appeal‑brief submission deadline.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasized that the court is equipped to handle the dispute and will ensure a fair and swift process. "CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing," he said.

The procedural timeline involves the FSF having 20 days to file the full brief, followed by another 20 days for the respondents (CAF and Morocco's Football Federation) to submit their defense. CAS has stated that it is 'not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline and to indicate when a hearing will be scheduled', meaning that it would take a while before a decision is arrived at.

The controversy has sparked intense reactions, with some Senegalese officials calling the decision a "shame for Africa". Morocco, on the other hand, has welcomed the CAF ruling, stating it upholds respect for tournament regulations.

As the situation unfolds, the football world waits with bated breath for CAS's decision, which could have significant implications for African football governance and the integrity of the sport.

The outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a protracted legal battle ahead.

Meanwhile, FIFA has made a major decision on Morocco, awarding them points for 'winning' the final, which has seen them move up in the rankings. The changes have seen Morocco move to just within six points of Brazil in fifth place.