Senegal and Morocco are facing each other at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne on Thursday in a legal dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The hearing follows an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation against a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the title to Morocco.

The final, played in Rabat on January 18, was initially won by Senegal 1-0 after extra time. The match was interrupted for about 14 minutes after a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in regulation time. Several Senegalese players temporarily left the field in protest before returning. Morocco failed to convert the penalty, while Senegal later scored through Pape Gueye in extra time.

In March, CAF’s Appeals Board overturned the result recorded on the pitch. It ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations and recorded a 3-0 victory for Morocco. The decision officially handed the 2025 African title to Morocco.

The Senegalese Football Federation challenged the decision before CAS, asking the sports court to overturn CAF’s ruling and recognize Senegal as the winner of the competition. The case now pits the Senegalese federation against both CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

The hearing is being held behind closed doors before a three-member panel of arbitrators. CAS will consider arguments from all sides before beginning its deliberations. No date has yet been announced for the final ruling.

The case could ultimately determine who is officially recognized as the 2025 African champion, months after the title was awarded to Morocco following CAF’s disciplinary decision.