Senegal reveals its position after the hearing session and Morocco remains silent

The hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne has concluded regarding Senegal's appeal against the decision of the CAF Appeals Committee concerning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The Moroccan delegation maintained silence, while the Senegalese side made its first official statement following the conclusion of the proceedings.

The Moroccan delegation chose to remain reserved after the session's conclusion, without making any statements regarding the details of the pleadings or what transpired inside the courtroom. Meanwhile, the Senegalese side confirmed that their lawyers presented their defenses before the arbitration panel and defended the position of the federation.

Abdullah Sido Sow, the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation, spoke to RMC Sport after the session: "Our lawyers presented their arguments, and all our observations were made, and they were heard by the arbitration body."

He added: "I cannot disclose the details of what actually happened because it concerns the confidentiality of the discussions, but I can confirm that Senegal defended its position well."

In this context, Matteo Rip, the director general of the Court of Arbitration for Sport, confirmed that the decision will not be issued today Thursday or tomorrow Friday, explaining that the arbitration body may need "several days, even several weeks" before resolving the case.

Rib pointed out that the time required to make a decision is also related to the possibility of preparing a comprehensive ruling that includes its reasoning and legal grounds, emphasizing that the court is also striving to issue the decision as soon as possible.

With the conclusion of the hearing, the arbitration panel has entered the deliberation phase, without the court setting an official date to announce the final ruling in the case that has sparked widespread controversy since the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

The arbitration body is considering the appeal submitted by the Senegalese Football Federation against the decision of the CAF Appeals Committee, which ruled that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final be recorded in favor of the Morocco national team by a score of 3-0, based on the provisions of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations.

Senegal secured the match on home soil with a 1-0 victory after extra time, leading to legal proceedings regarding the final events. The fate of the title from the last edition of the tournament now hangs in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The final decision remains in the hands of the 'CAS', which will announce its ruling after completing its deliberations and studying the arguments and evidence from all parties involved in the case.