Sports court delays immediate decision on Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final

Matteo Rip, the director general of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, has confirmed that the body is striving to issue a final decision regarding the appeal submitted by the Senegalese Football Federation against the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, in relation to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, as soon as possible.

Rib explained that the decision will not be issued immediately after the hearing session, ruling out an announcement today, Thursday, or tomorrow, Friday, given that the arbitration panel needs sufficient time to study the file and prepare a comprehensive decision supported by legal reasons.

The general director of the sports court stated, in remarks reported by the 'RMC' network this Thursday morning, that the hearing session for the appeal started on time, with the presence of representatives from all concerned parties and their lawyers.

Rib indicated that the session is expected to last until 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, or 4:00 PM local time, confirming that it will not exceed 4:00 PM.

The official emphasized that the conclusion of the hearing session does not mean that a ruling will be issued immediately, clarifying that the arbitration panel needs to study the various elements of the case before drafting the final decision and determining its legal reasons.

He added that the sports court aims to conclude the case and issue its decision as quickly as possible, ensuring that the ruling is comprehensive and legally justified, which may take several days after the session concludes.