African football’s most prestigious trophy is effectively on hold, after Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe confirmed that only the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) can rule on who will be crowned 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions.
Speaking at a news conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Motsepe said Caf had handed full responsibility for the dispute to sport’s highest legal body and would take no further steps until a final verdict is issued.
He stressed that the organisation has “nothing in our hands to do” and that its role is now limited to enforcing whatever ruling Cas delivers on the controversial final between Morocco and Senegal.
“We are waiting for the final decision from the Cas regarding the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations title. There is nothing in our hands to do, we are waiting for the decisions and we will implement them for everyone,” Motsepe told reporters.
Trophy in limbo after Morocco awarded 3-0 win
The case stems from a highly contentious end to the 2025 Afcon final, in which Morocco were later awarded the title with a 3-0 result by default against Senegal.
Caf’s Appeals Committee in March overturned an initial first-instance ruling and decided that Morocco should be declared champions by a 3-0 scoreline, following an extraordinary incident in extra time.
Senegal’s players – known as the Teranga Lions – temporarily walked off the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco during the additional period of the match. The game did not resume in the normal way, and the matter was escalated through Caf’s judicial bodies.
The Appeals Committee ultimately judged that Senegal’s brief withdrawal constituted grounds to award Morocco a victory by forfeit, effectively settling the title on administrative rather than sporting terms.
Senegal federation challenges ‘unfair’ decision
The Senegalese Football Federation rejected the ruling, publicly branding it unjust before filing an appeal to Cas.
They argue that the punishment is disproportionate to the actions of the players, who left the field only temporarily in response to what they believed was an incorrect penalty decision.
With both national federations insisting they are the rightful champions, the dispute has grown into one of the most significant legal battles in African football in recent years, raising wider questions about officiating, disciplinary procedures and the governance of the continental game.
Motsepe was clear that Caf will not attempt to influence or pre-empt the Swiss-based court.
“Caf is waiting for the final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport ‘Cas’ regarding the identity of the Africa Cup of Nations champion,” he said, reiterating that the file is now “entirely in the hands” of Cas.
Caf pledges to accept and enforce Cas ruling
The Caf president underlined that once Cas issues its judgment, the confederation will apply it uniformly, whatever the outcome and whoever is declared champion.
His remarks are intended to reassure both member associations and fans across the continent that the process will be independent and legally robust, amid intense scrutiny of Caf’s handling of the affair.
African football circles are closely watching the case, as the eventual decision will not only determine who lifts the 2025 trophy but may also set a precedent for how future disputes over major finals are resolved.
Until Cas delivers its ruling, the identity of Africa’s next champions will remain unresolved – a rare and dramatic situation for a tournament that sits at the heart of the continent’s sporting identity.
