Unraveling the Truth Behind the CAS Decision Rumors
A document recently circulated on social media claimed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had stripped Morocco of its title as the African champion of 2025 in favor of Senegal. This so-called ruling, which purportedly dated back to June 10, 2026, suggested that CAS accepted an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), thereby reversing a decision made by the African Football Confederation (CAF) Appeals Committee and officially crowning Senegal as the African champion. However, a closer examination reveals numerous inconsistencies that indicate this document is a fabrication.
One of the most glaring discrepancies is the case number listed on the document. It cites CAS case number 2026/A/10857, while the CAS has confirmed that the actual appeal from Senegal is recorded under a different reference, CAS 2026/A/12295, as announced in an official statement on March 25, 2026. In arbitration procedures, case numbers remain consistent throughout the process, meaning a ruling cannot exist under a different number. This fundamental error alone raises significant doubts about the authenticity of the document.
Moreover, the document incorrectly identifies the parties involved in the dispute. It claims the case was solely between the FSF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). In reality, the CAS announcement clarified that the appeal was directed against both the CAF and the FRMF, as the contested decision originated from the CAF Appeals Committee. The absence of the CAF in this document indicates a major procedural flaw that would not manifest in a legitimate ruling.
No Official Decision Exists
The most compelling evidence of the document's falsification is the absence of any such ruling on the official CAS website. A search through their database using the legitimate case number yields only one result: the announcement confirming the Senegalese appeal. This statement merely acknowledged the registration of the appeal, appointed an arbitration panel, and noted Senegal's request for additional time to submit its arguments following the receipt of the CAF's reasoned decision. Importantly, CAS highlighted that the proceedings remained confidential, and no hearing dates or schedule for a final ruling were announced.
Furthermore, there are no published decisions in the Recent Decisions section of the CAS website, where non-confidential rulings are typically released. The backdrop of this discussion stems from the controversial 2025 AFCON final, during which Senegalese players left the field following a disputed refereeing decision. On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeals Committee annulled an earlier disciplinary decision, awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit, and declared the Atlas Lions as the African champions. Although Senegal has contested this ruling with the CAS, no definitive judgment has been issued to date. Thus, the CAF's decision remains the only official and enforceable ruling.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
