AFCON 2025 Title Dispute Heads to CAS as Hearing Date Finally Set

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed that a hearing will take place on October 8, 2026, to determine the rightful winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following Senegal's appeal against CAF's decision to award the trophy to Morocco. The controversy stems from the final on January 18, 2026, when Senegal players walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The decision to protest came after a Senegal goal by Ismaila Sarr was controversially ruled out in the 93rd minute. Play resumed after captain Sadio Mane convinced his teammates to return, but the damage was already done. Brahim Diaz saw his panenka penalty saved by Edouard Mendy, and Senegal went on to win in extra time. However, on March 17, CAF shocked the football world by retroactively declaring that Senegal had forfeited the match, recording a 3-0 win for Morocco. Senegal, still holding the physical trophy, appealed to CAS on March 25, seeking to overturn the ruling and be declared champions. CAS confirmed that a standard, non-expedited procedure will be followed, meaning the hearing will be held behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne. The court stated that the parties did not agree to speed up the process, and a final verdict will come at a later date, not on the day of the hearing. "CAS is aware of incorrect information circulating online about this procedure," the court noted, urging the public to rely only on official CAS channels for updates.