The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that it anticipates delivering its ruling by the end of November concerning Senegal's appeal against the decision that granted Morocco the title of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This event is particularly significant for Moroccan sports and fans alike, as Morocco continues to assert its football prowess on the African continent.
On October 8, a closed-door hearing took place regarding the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation against both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. The CAS, based in Lausanne, confirmed that the panel of judges has already commenced deliberations and will continue to do so until a decision is reached.
This dispute originates from the AFCON final held on January 18 in Rabat, during which Senegal claimed a narrow victory over the Moroccan team, winning 1-0 after extra time. The match was marked by controversy, especially during stoppage time when Morocco was awarded a penalty following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. The decision led to an uproar among Senegalese players, who temporarily vacated the pitch in protest. After a prolonged interruption, the match resumed, but Morocco's Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka-style penalty thwarted by Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. Subsequently, Pape Gueye scored in extra time, sealing Senegal's victory.
However, a significant turn of events occurred on March 17, when the CAF's Appeal Board overturned the original match result after Morocco lodged an appeal. The board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field without proper authorization, thus awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the continental title, as per Articles 82 and 84 of the competition's regulations. Following this ruling, Senegal filed an appeal with CAS on March 25, aiming to reverse CAF's decision and restore their status as African champions.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
