Senegal receives CAF appeal verdict and prepares to take CAN 2025 dispute to the CAS

The wait is finally over. Following a three-week delay, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football has officially obtained the reasoned verdict from the CAF Appeal Jury. This document is a vital requirement for the nation to initiate its legal challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the decision to award Maroc a walkover victory for the CAN 2025.

In the documentation provided to the involved parties, the appeal body reaffirmed the 3-0 win for Maroc. However, it clarified that it does not have the jurisdiction to issue orders concerning the distribution of prize money, medals, or the physical trophy. Despite this ruling, the CAF Executive Committee has yet to make a formal public statement declaring a winner for this edition of the tournament, sustaining an atmosphere of uncertainty. The President of the Confederation has simply indicated that the final resolution will depend on the CAS.

No official schedule set for the CAS verdict

The controversy surrounding the CAN 2025 final is expected to reach its conclusion soon. It has been over two months since the match ended abruptly due to significant crowd disturbances and the Sénégal squad’s decision to walk off the pitch. Although the CAS has not yet announced a specific timeline for its deliberations, its eventual ruling will be definitive, as neither Maroc nor Sénégal will have further legal avenues to explore.

Matthieu Reeb, the Director General of the CAS, stated that the tribunal is fully prepared to handle such disputes through independent and expert arbitrators. He acknowledged the desire of fans and teams to receive a final answer quickly, promising that the arbitration process will be handled efficiently while ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved.