When Will CAF Crown the 2025 AFCON Champion?
The dispute between Senegal and Morocco over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title will reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but the definitive champion will still have to wait.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations still has no definitive champion, nearly nine months after a final that ended in major controversy.
However, the organization has already warned that no ruling will be issued on the day of the hearing.
According to BBC Sport Africa, the regulations allow a maximum of four months for a verdict, although the court aims to resolve these proceedings in less than three months.
Therefore, the identity of the champion could be confirmed before the end of 2026 or even during the opening months of 2027.
Why Did CAF Strip Senegal of the Title?
The controversy began during the final played in January in Rabat, when Senegal and Morocco faced off in a match marked by controversial refereeing decisions.
In the closing minutes, a goal by Ismaila Sarr was disallowed, and a penalty was subsequently awarded to Morocco.
The decision prompted coach Pape Thiaw to temporarily lead several Senegalese players off the field.
After play resumed, Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal a 1-0 victory.
Although the Lions of Teranga lifted the trophy, the Moroccan Football Federation filed a complaint, arguing that the temporary walk-off violated competition regulations.
In March, CAF's appeals committee ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 administrative victory.
When Will the Official Champion Be Confirmed?
The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the sanction and appealed to CAS in an attempt to reclaim the championship.
A panel of three arbitrators will review the case and issue a decision that, barring exceptional legal circumstances, will be final.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe assured that the organization would respect the court's ruling, regardless of the outcome.
Meanwhile, Morocco and Senegal must wait to find out which team will be officially recognized as African champion.
Key Takeaways
- CAS will hear Senegal's appeal on October 8, 2026.
- No final ruling will be issued during the hearing.
- The decision could take up to four months.
- CAF awarded Morocco the title through a 3-0 administrative victory.
- Senegal is seeking to reclaim the championship it won 1-0 on the field.
