CAS Sets May 7 Hearing Date for Morocco vs Senegal AFCON 2025 Title Dispute

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed May 7 as the date for its hearing into the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal, one of the most contentious officiating and governance controversies in recent African football history.

The dispute stems from CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title following a walk-off protest during the final, with the continental governing body awarding Morocco a 3-0 forfeit win. Senegal has since launched an appeal at CAS, challenging the ruling and openly describing it as “unacceptable.” The defending champions have continued to parade the trophy in defiance of the decision.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation is expected to present its arguments before the tribunal during the May 7 session. CAS will examine the circumstances surrounding the abandoned final, with the aim of establishing a definitive account of events before issuing a binding verdict.

The case carries implications well beyond the two nations involved. A CAS ruling on a walk-off protest that led to a title forfeiture could establish a significant precedent for how similar incidents are handled in international football, both at continental and global level. Governing bodies, player associations, and legal observers across the sport are monitoring the proceedings closely.

Reaction within the African football community has been sharp and divided since CAF announced its initial ruling. Critics of the decision — including former professional players — have questioned whether the forfeit sanction was proportionate and procedurally sound, while others have argued that CAF was obligated to enforce its competition regulations. The controversy has reignited broader debates about governance standards within CAF and the consistency of its disciplinary processes.

Senegal, who were on the verge of claiming a second AFCON title, had been considered one of the tournament’s standout sides. Morocco, meanwhile, have been among Africa’s most prominent football nations in recent years, having reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup — the deepest run by an African nation in the competition’s history.

The CAS hearing on May 7 is not expected to produce an immediate ruling, as the tribunal typically deliberates following oral proceedings before issuing its written decision. The timeline for a final verdict has not yet been confirmed. Should CAS overturn CAF’s decision, Senegal would be reinstated as AFCON 2025 champions. If the appeal is dismissed, Morocco’s forfeit victory — and the title that accompanies it — would be upheld.