2025 AFCON: CAS to hear Senegal’s appeal against CAF on October 8

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hold a hearing on Senegal's appeal against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) controversial decision regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final today, October 8, 2026.

Fans across the continent and around the world have been waiting for one of the most historic decisions, which could have a monumental effect should CAS uphold CAF’s ruling.

The decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title and award it to Morocco generated massive controversy globally, as some argued that titles are not won in the boardroom but rather on the pitch.

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Others believe that once the regulations of the game are breached, the appropriate punishment should be imposed to serve as a deterrent and discourage future boycotts of matches following controversial incidents, in order to protect the image of the game.

Senegal’s decision to temporarily boycott the AFCON final after the central referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, which Brahim Díaz missed, and eventually return to the pitch before winning the game triggered the case, with CAS expected to make a final determination.

Senegal challenged CAF's ruling that declared they had forfeited the final against Morocco, taking the matter to the world's highest sports arbitration body in a bid to overturn the decision.

The case will be heard behind closed doors, with a CAS panel expected to review submissions from both parties before reaching a final decision.

The outcome of the hearing could determine the official status of the 2025 AFCON final and bring an end to the dispute between Senegal and CAF.

SB/JKB

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