On March 17, a groundbreaking ruling by the Appeals Jury of the **Confederation of African Football (CAF)** overturned the results of the **2025 Africa Cup of Nations Final**. In an official resolution, the organization awarded a 3-0 victory to **Morocco**, declaring Senegal's team as the losing side due to their abandonment of the match. This decision stripped the "Lions of Teranga" of the title they had rightfully claimed on the field.
In response to this ruling, which they deemed corrupt, the Senegalese Football Federation issued a statement labeling the decision as "unprecedented and unacceptable," arguing that it tarnishes the reputation of African football. They announced plans to appeal to the **Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)** in Lausanne, expressing their intent to do so "as soon as possible." Recent developments reveal that a date has now been set for the first hearing regarding this matter.
The controversy erupted in the final moments of the match held in Rabat when a penalty was awarded to Morocco after a foul on Brahim Díaz. Senegal's coaching staff, led by Pape Thiaw, instructed their players to leave the pitch in protest. Although the Senegalese team returned after a delay of over ten minutes and ultimately triumphed during the penalty shootout, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) filed an immediate appeal, claiming a blatant violation of regulations, which the CAF sided with.
Upcoming CAS Hearing
This Friday, CAS announced that the hearing for the appeal filed by the **Senegal Football Federation (FSF)** against **Morocco (FRMF)** and CAF is scheduled for October 8 at its Lausanne headquarters. Senegal's appeal, submitted to CAS on March 25, requests the annulment of the CAF's decision, which declared them the losing team in a match they had won in extra time.
CAS clarified in a statement that the involved parties did not agree to expedite the procedure, hence following a standard timeline in accordance with its regulations. The hearing date was established after consultations with both parties, and neither party requested that the hearing be public, so it will take place behind closed doors.
The tribunal indicated that following the hearing, the panel would begin its deliberations, and while it cannot specify when a final decision will be rendered, it confirmed that it will not be on the day of the hearing. "CAS is aware of the misinformation circulating about this procedure, which has been propagated by the media. Only information provided through CAS channels is considered official, and any announcement related to this case will be published on the CAS website," the statement added.
As reported by informador.mx.
