WeeklySA_AdminIMPASSE: Senegal has taken its AFCON 2025 title battle to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing the final was completed on the pitch—not in the boardroom—while Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi publicly rejects the disputed crown…
By Monk Nkomo
The battle over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title has escalated to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Senegal determined to overturn a controversial Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board decision that stripped them of the crown and handed it to Morocco.
At the heart of Senegal’s case is a simple argument: the final was never abandoned. Their legal team insists the match was played to its natural conclusion after a brief disruption, and that the referee’s on-field decision — a 1–0 victory for Senegal — must stand under the Laws of the Game.
CAS has confirmed receipt of the appeal and is in the process of appointing an arbitral panel. Senegal has also requested a delay in filing its full brief, citing CAF’s failure to provide detailed reasons for its ruling. A final verdict could take between nine and 12 months, though efforts are being made to expedite proceedings.
The CAF Appeal Board’s decision has sparked outrage across the football world. Senegal Football Federation (FSF) president Abdoulaye Fall described it as “the most blatant administrative scam in the history of our sport,” reflecting growing concern about governance and consistency within African football.
Despite being stripped of the title, Senegal has refused to return the trophy or medals. Instead, the federation plans to parade them before supporters during an upcoming friendly against Peru — a symbolic act underscoring their belief that the title was earned on the field.
In a remarkable twist, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has publicly rejected the title awarded to his team.
“I did not win the 2025 AFCON,” he said, congratulating Senegal and insisting that victory must be earned on the pitch. His stance — reportedly influenced by a call for fairness from his mother — has been widely praised as a rare act of sportsmanship.
‘’ My mum told me to reject the AFCON trophy. I am officially rejecting it and hope my friends and teammates will do the same’’.
Criticism of CAF has extended beyond the two finalists. Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos slammed the organisation for failing to act decisively during the match, arguing that earlier intervention could have prevented the controversy altogether.
South Africa’s Sport Minister Gayton McKenzie has also backed Senegal’s appeal, vowing support and legal assistance. “We will not allow Morocco to bully African football,” he said, insisting the result on the pitch should prevail.
Legal experts and analysts have raised serious concerns about the Appeal Board’s authority, pointing to established rules that make a referee’s decision on match results final. Critics warn that overturning such decisions risks undermining the integrity of the sport.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has defended the ruling, citing regulations triggered by Senegal’s temporary walk-off. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has similarly supported the decision, arguing for strict adherence to competition rules.
But as the legal battle unfolds, the controversy has already shifted focus away from the football itself — raising deeper questions about transparency, governance, and credibility within Africa’s premier football competition.
• What’s at Stake in the AFCON Dispute
• The Match: Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 in the AFCON 2025 final
• The Controversy: Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch
• CAF Ruling: Title stripped from Senegal, awarded to Morocco
• Senegal’s Argument: Match resumed and ended — referee’s decision is final
• Next Step: Case now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
• Timeline: Verdict could take 9–12 months
