Court of Arbitration for Sport sets October 8 date to determine Africa Cup of Nations winner for 2025

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By Emmanuel Okogba

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has fixed October 8 as the date for a landmark hearing that could determine the rightful winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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The case pits the Senegalese Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation over CAF’s decision to award the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco following the controversial circumstances surrounding the tournament’s final.

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At the heart of the dispute is Senegal’s appeal against the CAF Appeals Board’s ruling that the Teranga Lions had forfeited the final, leading to a 3-0 administrative victory for Morocco and their declaration as African champions.

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CAS announced that the hearing will take place behind closed doors on October 8, after the parties failed to agree on an accelerated process. The proceedings will therefore follow the court’s standard arbitration timeline.

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“The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules. The hearing will take place behind closed doors,” CAS stated.

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The hearing is expected to feature legal representatives from the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, each presenting detailed arguments, documentary evidence, and witness submissions before the arbitration panel.

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The outcome of the case will depend entirely on legal interpretation, sporting regulations, and the application of CAF’s competition rules. A ruling could either uphold Morocco’s status as 2025 AFCON champions or overturn the governing body’s decision, potentially reshaping the tournament’s history.

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While CAS has confirmed the hearing date, it has not indicated when a final verdict will be delivered. The arbitration panel is expected to retire for confidential deliberations after the October 8 proceedings and issue a written decision at a later date.

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