Senegal Appeals to CAS in Bid to Reclaim AFCON 2025 Title from Morocco

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) challenging the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to hosts Morocco.CAS confirmed on March 25, 2026, that the appeal was registered, seeking to set aside CAF’s March 17 ruling and declare Senegal the rightful winners. The move escalates a dispute stemming from the chaotic final on January 18 in Morocco, where Senegal led 1-0 in extra time before walking off the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco via VAR.

CAF’s Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal forfeited the match under Article 84 of the tournament regulations, overturning the on-pitch result to a 3-0 victory for Morocco and ending the Atlas Lions’ 49-year title drought. Senegal’s federation condemned the decision as a “travesty” and “shame for African football,” refusing to surrender the trophy and medals.

The appeal highlights growing criticism of CAF’s handling of the incident, with many fans and analysts arguing titles should be decided on the pitch, not in boardrooms. CAS proceedings could take months or up to a year, leaving the official champions in limbo as both nations prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Public reaction has been fierce, with widespread support for Senegal across social media, where users hail the Teranga Lions as the “true champions.” Morocco, meanwhile, maintains the ruling upholds competition rules.The case raises serious questions about governance, fairness, and credibility in African football. A CAS verdict is expected to provide the final resolution in one of the most contentious episodes in AFCON history.