Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has provisionally suspended the controversial ruling that stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded it to Morocco.
In an interim decision issued on Monday, CAS accepted Senegal’s appeal against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board and ordered a “freeze” on the implementation of its verdict.
The effect means that parties will maintain status quo.
The dispute stems from a chaotic final played in January 2026, where the Teranga Lions of Senegal defeated the hosts, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, 1–0 after extra time. The match took a dramatic turn late on when a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco.
Although the spot kick was missed, Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest, prompting confusion before play eventually resumed, and the match was concluded. Weeks later, Morocco’s federation challenged the outcome, citing provisions within AFCON regulations relating to match forfeiture.
On March 17, CAF’s Appeals Board ruled in Morocco’s favour, declaring that Senegal’s walk-off constituted a breach severe enough to forfeit the match. The result was overturned to a 3–0 victory for Morocco, with Senegal stripped of the title.
Senegal swiftly condemned the decision as unjust and escalated the matter to CAS, arguing that the sanction was disproportionate and undermined the integrity of the on-field result.
CAS has now ordered that CAF verdict be put on hold, pending the determination of the tribunal.
By granting provisional measures, the tribunal signalled that enforcing CAF’s ruling before a full hearing could cause irreparable damage, particularly in a case involving the revocation of a major continental title.
The immediate consequence is that AFCON 2025 currently has no officially recognised champion. The trophy remains unassigned while legal proceedings continue.
A final ruling from CAS is expected to come in the coming months, following a full review of submissions from both parties. Senegal will seek reinstatement of their 1–0 victory, while Morocco is expected to maintain that the temporary walk-off amounted to a regulatory forfeiture.
CAF on its part, has indicated it will abide by the tribunal’s eventual decision.
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