CAS Sets October Date for Senegal vs Morocco AFCON Final Hearing
CAS has set 8 October 2026 as the date for the hearing that will determine the next stage of the legal battle over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final, bringing one of African football’s most high-profile disputes a step closer to resolution.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed on Friday that it will hear the case involving the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The hearing follows an appeal lodged by Senegal after CAF ruled that the Senegal national team had forfeited the AFCON 2025 final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and officially recognizing the Atlas Lions as tournament champions.
In its official statement, CAS confirmed the hearing date.
“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms a hearing has been scheduled for the procedure between the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) concerning the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (AFCON 2025). The hearing will take place on 8 October 2026, at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.”
The announcement provides the clearest indication yet of when all parties will present their arguments before an independent arbitration panel, although the final ruling is still expected to come later.
The appeal was officially registered by CAS on 25 March 2026 after the Senegalese Football Federation challenged CAF’s decision on the outcome of the continental final.
According to CAS, Senegal is seeking to overturn the governing body’s decision and have the tournament title awarded to the Teranga Lions instead.
“Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal seeks to set aside a CAF decision declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the AFCON 2025 final and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0. The appeal requests that CAS declare the FSF winners of AFCON 2025.”
While the hearing date has now been fixed, CAS explained that the case has proceeded under its normal timetable because none of the parties requested an expedited process.
The sports arbitration body noted that the hearing date was agreed upon following consultations with all three parties involved in the case.
“The Parties did not agree to expedite this procedure, which is therefore following a standard timeline according to CAS procedural rules. The hearing date was decided after consultation with the Parties, who also did not request that it be made public. This means it will take place behind closed doors.”
The decision means supporters, football officials and the wider sporting community will not have access to the proceedings, as the hearing will be conducted privately at CAS headquarters.
Although October 8 is now confirmed as the hearing date, the case will not be concluded on the same day.
CAS said the arbitration panel will begin its deliberations once the hearing has ended before issuing a written award at a later date.
“After the hearing, the Panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing.”
This means African football will have to wait beyond October before learning whether CAF’s decision will stand or be overturned.
The sports court also used its statement to caution against misinformation that has circulated online regarding the proceedings.
CAS emphasized that only updates released through its official communication channels should be considered accurate.
“CAS is aware of incorrect information circulating online about this procedure and subsequently being reported. Only information provided through CAS channels is considered official and any announcement concerning this case will be published on the CAS website.”
The body added that accredited journalists seeking clarification on the matter should contact the CAS media office.
The hearing is expected to attract significant attention across the continent given the importance of the AFCON title and the implications of the eventual ruling.
If CAS upholds CAF’s decision, Morocco will remain the official AFCON 2025 champions. However, should the appeal succeed, the arbitration panel could overturn the forfeiture ruling and potentially alter the official outcome of the tournament.
