Kinshasa, Oct. 19th, 2026 (CPA). – The verdict in the dispute between Morocco and Senegal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, in Switzerland, concerning the final of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Morocco 2025, is expected in late November 2026, according to a statement from the sports body. “The Arbitral Panel has now begun its deliberations. The CAS arbitrators have decided to issue a comprehensive decision, setting out the legal grounds, known as the ‘CAS award’. This process will take several weeks and the CAS award is expected in late November 2026,” it is read.
The arbitrators are continuing their deliberations
This announcement provides an update on the proceedings relating to the appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The hearing on this case took place on October 8th, 2026, at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne, in Switzerland, behind closed doors.
Following this stage, the arbitral tribunal has begun its deliberations to examine the arguments presented in the framework of these proceedings. The expected decision will be accompanied by its legal grounds, thereby enabling an understanding of the reasoning followed by the arbitrators in resolving the dispute. The announced timeframe is due to the need to complete this deliberation phase before the award is handed down.
The CAS: the court of last resort in sport
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an independent tribunal specialising in the resolution of sports-related disputes. In particular, it hears appeals lodged against certain decisions taken by sports federations and confederations, in accordance with the applicable rules. The award, expected at the end of November, should set out the arbitrators’ findings as well as the legal basis for their decision. The CAS has also reminded that only information released through its official channels is authoritative regarding these proceedings. Any further updates regarding the case will be published on its website. Pending the ruling, the parties concerned are urged to be patient whilst awaiting a decision that will clarify the outcome of this sporting dispute relating to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. As a reminder, during that eventful final, Senegal – who had walked off the pitch – went on to score its only goal of the match. Morocco, who had previously been awarded a penalty, had missed it, allowing the Lions of Teranga to claim a place on the continental podium for the second time in their history.