The timing of a final verdict in the high-profile dispute between Senegal and Morocco over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title could prove decisive, with hopes that a ruling may arrive before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially confirmed receipt of an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), challenging a decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the AFCON final result.
The CAF Appeals Board had ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory despite Senegal’s 1-0 win after extra time on the pitch.
At the centre of the controversy is a 17-minute walk-off by Senegal during the final, which Morocco cited as a breach of tournament regulations in their appeal.
CAF upheld that claim, prompting a strong reaction from Senegal’s football authorities, who described the ruling as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable.”
Attention has now shifted to CAS, where the timeline for a decision remains uncertain.
Typically, cases handled by the Lausanne-based tribunal can take between nine months and a year to conclude.
However, there is growing optimism within Senegal’s camp that the process could be significantly accelerated.
Speaking in Paris, Serge Vittoz, a member of Senegal’s legal team, outlined the possibility of a faster resolution if all parties agree to an expedited procedure.
“A case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) takes between 9 and 12 months. The idea is to request an expedited procedure.
“But for this to happen, all parties must agree to this procedure. We will see what the positions of the other parties are, namely the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. If an expedited procedure were accepted, we could have a verdict within two months.”
Such a timeline would place a potential ruling well before the start of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to run from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Senegal, a swift decision would be crucial in restoring clarity and potentially reinstating their continental title ahead of the global tournament.
However, the process is far from straightforward.
Any accelerated timeline depends on agreement from CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, both of whom are respondents in the case.
Without consensus, the proceedings could revert to the standard duration, delaying a final verdict until after the World Cup.
The stakes extend beyond silverware. The outcome could influence morale, preparation, and the broader narrative surrounding one of Africa’s top national teams heading into football’s biggest stage.
For now, uncertainty remains. While Senegal pushes for a quick resolution, the final decision rests not only with CAS but also with the willingness of all involved parties to fast-track proceedings.
