The long-running legal dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal could soon reach its conclusion, as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) moves closer to delivering its verdict.
According to information reported by Qatari sports outlet Winwin, the international sports tribunal has informed the legal representatives of both the Moroccan and Senegalese football federations that the case has entered its final deliberation stage.
The development brings renewed attention to one of African football's most closely followed legal disputes, with both nations awaiting a decision that could determine the official outcome of the continental final.
Although a ruling is expected in the coming days, the notification reportedly provides no indication of the tribunal's position or which federation could emerge victorious.
How the Morocco-Senegal Dispute Began
The legal proceedings stem from the controversial conclusion of the AFCON 2025 final, initially won by Senegal 1-0 on the pitch.
Following an appeal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.
The decision overturned the original result and placed Morocco in line to be recognised as champions following the disciplinary ruling.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation strongly contested the outcome and subsequently took its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Through its appeal, Senegal is seeking to overturn CAF's decision and have the original 1-0 result restored.
Senegal Challenges CAF's Decision at CAS
By bringing the dispute before CAS, the Senegalese federation has placed the final outcome of the tournament under the jurisdiction of international sports arbitration.
The tribunal's role is to examine the appeal and determine whether CAF's decision should stand or be overturned.
For Morocco, the proceedings represent an important stage in securing legal clarity over the status of the national team's AFCON title.
For Senegal, the appeal remains an opportunity to challenge the disciplinary ruling and defend the result originally achieved during the final.
The case has therefore evolved beyond the sporting contest itself, becoming a significant legal battle involving two of African football's leading national teams.
Final Deliberations Underway: What Happens Next?
The latest communication reportedly confirms that CAS has reached the final stage of its deliberations.
However, this development should not be confused with an official verdict. Neither the outcome nor the reasoning behind the forthcoming decision has been made public.
Both federations must therefore wait for the tribunal's formal announcement before knowing whether CAF's ruling will be upheld or overturned.
The decision will be particularly important for the official historical record of AFCON 2025 and the final classification of the competition.
African Football Awaits a Defining Decision
The Morocco-Senegal dispute has remained in the spotlight long after the final whistle, attracting significant attention from supporters, football administrators and the international media.
With CAS reportedly approaching the end of its deliberations, the wait for a definitive answer is entering its final phase.
Whatever the outcome, the tribunal's ruling will represent a decisive moment for both federations and provide much-needed clarity over the controversial final.
For Morocco and Senegal, the next announcement from Lausanne could finally bring an end to months of uncertainty. Until CAS publishes its official decision, however, the AFCON 2025 dispute remains unresolved.