Contrary to Expectations, CAS Verdict Still Months Away

The long-running dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has taken another dramatic twist after fresh information emerged regarding the CAS Morocco Senegal decision.

Contrary to widespread speculation that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had already reached a verdict, new reports indicate that no final ruling has been issued. Instead, the case is expected to move to a full hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland, during September or October, meaning the football world may have to wait several more months before learning who will officially be recognised as African champions.

The latest development has stunned supporters from both nations, many of whom believed the legal battle was approaching its conclusion.

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What the Latest Leak Reveals

According to fresh reports published by IUSPORT and relayed by GOAL, sources close to one of the parties involved say the CAS hearing has been scheduled for September or October rather than taking place immediately.

If accurate, this timeline means:

• No official CAS verdict before autumn.
• The controversy surrounding the AFCON final will continue.
• Neither Morocco nor Senegal has received a definitive legal victory.

The report directly contradicts rumours that circulated earlier this month claiming CAS had already ruled in Senegal's favour. CAS has publicly denied issuing any final decision, reinforcing that the arbitration process remains ongoing.

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How the Controversy Began

The dispute stems from one of the most controversial finals in African football history.

On the pitch, Senegal defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time. However, the match descended into chaos when Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest following a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco.

Although Morocco failed to convert the penalty and Senegal later scored the winning goal, CAF's Appeal Committee later ruled that Senegal's temporary walk-off constituted a breach of competition regulations, overturning the on-field result and awarding Morocco a 3–0 administrative victory.

The Senegalese Football Federation immediately rejected the decision and appealed to CAS, arguing that the punishment was unlawful and disproportionate.

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Fake Verdicts Fuel Confusion

The delay has also been accompanied by widespread misinformation.

Over recent weeks, several documents claiming to be official CAS rulings have circulated across social media, alleging that Senegal had already won its appeal and reclaimed the AFCON title.

Independent fact-checks from multiple outlets found those documents to be fake, pointing out incorrect case numbers, procedural errors and the complete absence of any official CAS announcement.

As things stand, the CAS Morocco Senegal decision remains unresolved, and supporters are being urged to rely only on official statements rather than viral posts.

Possible Outcomes of the CAS Morocco–Senegal Decision

Several scenarios remain possible:

1. CAS upholds CAF's decision

If CAS concludes CAF correctly applied its regulations, Morocco will officially remain AFCON champions and Senegal's appeal will be dismissed.

2. CAS overturns CAF's ruling

Should CAS find procedural or regulatory errors, the administrative 3–0 result could be cancelled, potentially restoring Senegal's victory or requiring another legal remedy.

3. Partial ruling

CAS could also identify flaws in CAF's disciplinary process without immediately changing the competition's outcome, opening the door to further proceedings.

At this stage, none of these outcomes has been decided, and reports claiming a final verdict has already been issued have been proven false.

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A Landmark Case for African Football

Regardless of who ultimately prevails, this dispute is already being viewed as one of the most important legal cases in CAF history.

It raises difficult questions about:

• The authority of football governing bodies.
• Whether disciplinary committees can overturn results achieved on the pitch.
• The interpretation of forfeiture regulations.
• The balance between sporting justice and disciplinary enforcement.

Legal experts believe the eventual CAS ruling could influence how future international tournaments handle similar incidents involving player protests or abandoned matches.

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What Happens Next?

For now, football fans must continue waiting.

CAS has confirmed Senegal's appeal is registered, but it has not issued a final judgment. The arbitration panel is expected to hear the case later this year before delivering a decision after reviewing submissions from all parties.

Until then:

• Morocco remain the officially recognised AFCON champions.
• Senegal's appeal remains active.
• Any document claiming the title has already changed hands should be treated with caution unless confirmed by CAS itself.

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Conclusion

The latest leak has completely changed expectations surrounding the CAS Morocco Senegal decision.

Rather than an imminent verdict, football's highest arbitration court now appears set for a lengthy legal process that could stretch into the autumn. That means the debate over one of the most controversial AFCON finals in history is far from over.

Whether CAS ultimately sides with CAF, Morocco or Senegal, its ruling is likely to become one of the most influential legal decisions African football has ever seen.