The Teranga Lions’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title remains in limbo. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delayed the hearing between Senegal and Morocco to the autumn, per IUSPORT reports. No final ruling will arrive before October at the earliest, extending a wait that has kept tensions high between the two federations.
What happened back in March 2025?
On March 17, 2025, CAF stripped Senegal of its African title following a controversial decision. The continental body penalized the Lions for temporarily leaving the pitch during extra time in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco. The result: a 3-0 administrative win for the Atlas Lions, despite Morocco’s failed attempt before Pape Gueye’s goal. The Senegalese federation called it a “bureaucratic theft” and filed an appeal with CAS.
Why does this hearing matter so much for Senegal?
The CAS ruling will decide whether Morocco keeps the trophy or Senegal reclaims it. Senegal’s last match ended July 1, 2026 (Belgium 3-2 Senegal), a loss that capped a run of three defeats in five games (2 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses). The stakes couldn’t be higher: upholding CAF’s sanction would seal the title loss, while overturning it would restore the original on-field result.
What’s next on the timeline?
The hearing is now set for September or October 2026 at CAS headquarters in Lausanne. Both federations will present their cases before the panel, with a verdict expected no sooner than autumn. Senegal’s national team, led by Aliou Cissé, are banking on a favorable outcome to close a chapter that has dogged African football for over a year.
Latest update: the Lions have lost their last two games after two wins in five matches (LLWWL), a trend they must reverse ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
