Morocco has no recourse after CAS ruling on 2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco will have no recourse once the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rendered its verdict on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The Lausanne-based body met on October 8 to examine the appeal filed by the Senegalese federation, and its decision will be final.

The dispute stems from the final on January 18 in Rabat. Senegal, winners 1-0 after extra time on a goal by Pape Gueye, left the pitch following a penalty awarded in favor of Morocco, causing a twenty-minute interruption. The referee ultimately allowed the match to resume, and the final score was 1-0 for the Lions of Teranga.

However, the CAF had awarded the title to the Lions of the Atlas by default (3-0) via its appeals jury on March 17. The Senegalese federation then turned to CAS, arguing that FIFA’s laws of the game required the result obtained on the pitch to stand. If CAS overturns the CAF decision, the continental title would go to Senegal — the African confederation having already indicated it would comply with the Lausanne ruling. CAS could also refer the matter back to the CAF for a new judgment.

In any case, the Swiss Federal Court, sometimes mentioned as a last resort for Morocco, does not constitute a real alternative. This court is not empowered to examine the merits of the case: it could only rule on CAS’s jurisdiction or on a possible violation of law, without calling into question the sporting verdict itself.

Both federations are therefore awaiting the Lausanne decision, which will determine who officially wins the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.