CAN 2025 Winner Dispute: Sénégal vs Morocco CAS Verdict

Latest Update: March 29

Breaking news: CAF initiates major structural changes following Morocco-Senegal dispute

In response to the complex legal situation surrounding CAN 2025, which is currently being reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), CAF President Patrice Motsepe has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the organization’s statutes. This move is designed to rebuild trust in African officiating and the VAR system, while ensuring the complete autonomy of legal bodies like the Disciplinary Board and the Appeal Committee. By implementing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and ensuring equal treatment for all member nations, CAF aims to move past the controversies of the final between Morocco and Sénégal. As the continental crown remains in limbo awaiting the Lausanne-based court’s decision, these reforms represent a pivotal moment for the integrity of football in West Africa and beyond, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Currently, no official winner for CAN 2025 has been confirmed. This period is seen as a critical window to clarify the situation and set the future direction of the competition. While a typical Niger Report on sports might highlight the speed of football, legal proceedings at CAS usually take between nine and twelve months. If all parties agree to an expedited process, a verdict could potentially be reached within two months.

Update from March 23

The conflict regarding the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final has taken a significant turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued a provisional suspension on the title previously awarded to Morocco by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This emergency measure follows a legal challenge submitted by Sénégal, who is contesting the rulings made by African disciplinary authorities.

Background from March 17:

In a statement released on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, CAF initially named Morocco as the winner of CAN 2025 following incidents during the final match. Sénégal, despite their performance on the field, was declared to have forfeited the match with a 3-0 loss.

The CAF Appeal Jury, citing Article 84 of the tournament regulations, ruled that the Sénégal national team forfeited the final held in Morocco. Consequently, the result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

Key Rulings by the CAF Appeal Jury:

The appeal by the FRMF was deemed admissible and justified.
The previous decision by the CAF Disciplinary Jury was overturned.
The jury determined that Sénégal‘s team conduct fell under the jurisdiction of Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations.
The Sénégal Football Federation (FSF) was found to have violated Article 82.
Under Article 84, Sénégal was handed a 3-0 forfeit defeat.

Additional decisions included a partial acceptance of the appeal regarding Ismael Saibari (Morocco, No. 11), whose suspension was reduced to two matches (one suspended) and his $100,000 fine was canceled. Fines against the FRMF for ball boy conduct were reduced to $50,000, and laser-related incidents were reduced to $10,000, while the $100,000 fine for VAR zone interference was upheld.

The big question: Who will ultimately claim the CAN 2025/2026 title?

This legal stalemate has left African football in an unprecedented state of uncertainty. With CAS suspending Morocco‘s title, the timeline for a final resolution is now the primary concern for fans following Niger news English updates and continental sports.

1. Standard Timeline: A 6 to 12-month wait
Usually, CAS appeals in Lausanne involve a lengthy process of written submissions, arbitrator appointments, and hearings. A final verdict is unlikely before the end of 2026 or early 2027.

2. The Accelerated Track
If Sénégal and CAF agree, the schedule could be compressed. However, given the high-stakes Niger politics and sports diplomacy involved, a quick consensus on a fast-track calendar is rare.

3. Impact of the Provisional Suspension
While the title is suspended, Morocco cannot be officially listed as champion, the $10 million prize money remains frozen, and the 2025 winners’ list remains officially blank.

The dispute hinges on two arguments: Sénégal maintains the match was completed on the pitch (a 1-0 win), while Morocco and CAF argue that the temporary exit of Senegalese players constituted a definitive forfeit under Article 84. CAS will review the entire case “de novo,” and its final ruling will be absolute.

Stay updated on the Africa Cup of Nations 2025-2026: follow group standings, match schedules, and live results. From the opening whistle on December 21 to the final on January 18, 2026, we cover every moment of the journey in Morocco.

🚨 CAN 2025-2026: Sénégal, winners on the field.

Qualified Nations for the Tournament

The 24 countries that competed in this 35th edition included:

North Africa: Morocco (host), Algérie, Égypte, Tunisie
West Africa: Sénégal, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, Bénin, Guinée équatoriale
Central Africa: Cameroun, RD Congo, Gabon
Southern Africa: Afrique du Sud, Zambie, Zimbabwe, Mozambique
East Africa: Ouganda, Tanzanie, Comores
Central and East: Angola, Botswana, Soudan

Knockout Stage: Round of 16 Results

Sénégal 3-1 Soudan
Mali 1-1 Tunisie (3-2 on penalties)
Morocco 1-0 Tanzanie
Afrique du Sud 1-2 Cameroun
Égypte 3-1 Bénin
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Algérie 1-0 RD Congo
Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Burkina Faso

Quarter-Final Highlights

Mali 0-1 Sénégal
Cameroun 0-2 Morocco
Algérie 0-2 Nigeria
Égypte 3-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Semi-Final Recap

January 14, 2026

Sénégal 1-0 Égypte: Sadio Mané secured the victory in the 78th minute at the Grand Stade de Tanger, sending the Lions to their fourth historical final.

Morocco 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties): In Rabat, Yassine Bounou was the hero in the shootout, allowing the hosts to reach the final for the first time since 2004.

The Final: A Night of Drama in Rabat

January 18, 2026

Sénégal 1-0 Morocco (after extra time)

In a high-tension final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Sénégal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0. The match was decided in extra time by a stunning goal from Pape Gueye. The game was marked by significant arbitration controversy regarding a late penalty for Morocco, which fueled intense protests. Despite the pressure, the Lions of la Téranga held on to secure what would be their second continental star on the pitch.

Tournament Logistics and Venues

Rabat: Prince Moulay Abdellah Complex
Casablanca: Mohammed V Stadium
Marrakech: Grand Stade de Marrakech
Agadir: Adrar Stadium
Fès: Fès Stadium
Tanger: Ibn Batouta Stadium

Looking Ahead: CAN 2027

The 36th edition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Ouganda, and Tanzanie from June 19 to July 18, 2027. Preliminary rounds are scheduled for March 31, involving nations like Tchad, Burundi, and Éthiopie. While fans in Niamey news today discuss the regional security for such events, the focus remains on whether Sénégal will defend its disputed crown.

Can 2025-2026: who is the final winner of the tournament?