ISTANBUL / Ahmed Hassan / Anadolu

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has set October 8 as the date for a hearing on an appeal filed by Senegal against being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

CAS said in a statement on Friday: 'The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed the scheduling of a hearing following the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation against the African Football Confederation and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation regarding the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.'

The statement added: 'The hearing will be held on October 8, 2026, at the seat of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.'

He added: 'The Senegalese Football Federation filed a registered appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on March 25, 2026, seeking to overturn the decision of the African Football Confederation (CAF) that declared the Senegalese national team lost the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final by withdrawal, awarding the victory to the Moroccan team with a score of 3-0.'

He continued: 'The appeal requests the Court of Arbitration for Sport to declare the Senegalese Football Federation the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.'

He explained: 'The parties did not agree to apply expedited procedures; therefore, the procedures are conducted according to the usual timetable set out in the CAS rules. The hearing date was set after consultation with the parties, who did not request a public hearing, meaning it will be held in private.'

The Court of Arbitration for Sport stressed that after the hearing, the arbitral panel will begin its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot specify a date for the decision, but it will not be issued on the same day as the hearing.

It noted: 'CAS has become aware of the existence of false information circulating about this case, which was later reported by the media. Only information published through CAS official channels is considered authoritative, and any statements regarding this case will be posted on the court's website.'

The host Morocco was declared winner of the tournament after the African Football Confederation (CAF) annulled the result of the final match held in January, which Senegal had won 1-0.

Senegalese players had left the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, while the score was goalless.

After a delay of about 17 minutes, the players returned to the pitch, and Ibrahim Diaz's penalty was saved before Senegalese Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time, but CAF considered that Senegal had withdrawn from the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win.

Senegal filed its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on March 25, seeking to overturn CAF's decision and be reinstated as the tournament winner.