Africa Cup of Nations 2025: CAS to rule soon on Senegal-Morocco final after five-hour hearing

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) held its decisive hearing Thursday in Lausanne on the contested 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, and announced that its verdict would be delivered « in a few days, or even a few weeks ».

The saga dates back to January: Senegal had won the final against Morocco 1-0, but the match was marred by fierce protests from Senegalese players, who temporarily left the pitch after a penalty was awarded to the Lions of the Atlas late in the game. In March, the CAF annulled the result and awarded victory to Morocco by default (3-0), ruling that Senegal had forfeited by leaving the field. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) then appealed to the CAS to contest this decision.

The hearing, held in closed session, lasted more than five hours. Following the arguments, FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow said he was satisfied, stating that « Senegal defended itself well ». The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) made no statement as it left the court.

The question of who bears the most pressure is already fueling debate. Moroccan media outlet Le 360 Sport argues that the Lions of Teranga have more to lose than the Lions of the Atlas. Its reasoning: if the CAS rules against Morocco, it simply returns to the field result, a 0-1 defeat. Senegal, on the other hand, has already celebrated the title, displayed the trophy before its supporters, and risks having to return everything. « Objectively, the pressure weighs far more heavily on the shoulders of our Senegalese friends, » the outlet writes.

Regardless of the outcome, the CAS decision will end one of the most unprecedented episodes in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.