The wait is finally over for the Senegalese Football Federation. After three weeks of uncertainty, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has released the reasoned decision from its appeals jury, clearing the path for Senegal to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
This development follows the contentious decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory on forfeit in the CAN 2025 final, a ruling that has left both nations and fans in limbo. While the appeals jury upheld the on-pitch result, it explicitly stated that issues surrounding medals, trophies, and financial compensation fall outside its jurisdiction—leaving these matters unresolved.
what’s next for the can 2025 final appeal?
The CAF has yet to issue an official statement confirming Morocco as the tournament winner, creating persistent ambiguity around the competition’s conclusion. However, the federation’s president has deferred to the TAS, emphasizing the need for a definitive resolution. The appeals process, now in motion, will be overseen by independent arbitrators specializing in sports law.
Me Matthieu Reeb, the TAS Director General, reassured stakeholders of the institution’s capability to handle the dispute efficiently: “The Court of Arbitration for Sport is fully equipped to resolve this dispute with the support of specialist and impartial arbitrators. We recognize the urgency for both teams and supporters to receive a final decision and will ensure the arbitration process is conducted promptly while guaranteeing a fair trial.”
key takeaways from the appeals jury’s decision
- Morocco retains the 3-0 on-pitch victory, as confirmed by the CAF appeals jury.
- Medals, trophies, and financial bonuses remain undecided, as these are not under the jury’s purview.
- Senegal gains the right to appeal to the TAS, marking a critical step toward challenging the outcome.
- No official timeline has been set for TAS deliberations, but the process is expected to conclude expeditiously.
The final chapter of this CAN 2025 saga appears to be approaching, though the exact timing of the TAS ruling remains uncertain. With no further appeals permitted once the decision is rendered, the arbitration outcome will mark the definitive end to this high-stakes dispute.
