CAS to Issue 2025 AFCON Host Ruling in November
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will finalize its decision on the tournament host following an appeal by Senegal.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football
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The Court of Arbitration for Sport expects to issue a final ruling in November 2026 regarding the 2025 AFCON host decision. The case follows a formal challenge by the Senegalese football federation against the decision to award hosting rights to Morocco.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on allegations that competition rules were bypassed during the 2026 final match. A resolution is necessary to clarify the administration of African championship events following the contested tournament outcome.
A 3-man arbitration panel heard 5 hours of testimony in Lausanne to address a 15-minute delay that occurred during the tournament final. The outcome remains pending ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which will feature 24 teams across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The players
Court of Arbitration for Sport
This international quasi-judicial body based in Lausanne, Switzerland, settles disputes related to sport through arbitration or mediation.
Confederation of African Football
This administrative and controlling body for African football organizes continental competitions and manages prize money and regulations.
Senegalese football federation
This organization oversees the development, promotion, and management of football activities and national teams within Senegal.
Moroccan football federation
This governing body is responsible for the regulation and development of association football in Morocco.
The details
The controversy stems from the 18 January 2026 final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, where Senegalese players walked off the pitch. While Senegal ultimately won the match, the Moroccan football federation later appealed to the Confederation of African Football, citing regulatory breaches.
Timeline
18 January 2026: Senegal and Morocco played the tournament final.
March 2026: CAF awarded the 2025 championships to Morocco.
8 October 2026: CAS panel heard arguments from football federations.
November 2026: CAS expects to issue the final award.
19 June - 17 July 2027: The 2027 AFCON finals will take place.
Season Trajectory
This legal challenge adds administrative instability to the path toward the 2027 AFCON finals. It marks a departure from the competitive momentum achieved by Morocco and Senegal during their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
The ruling will definitively settle the host standing for the 2025 championships. It will also influence regulatory compliance expectations for the 24 teams currently preparing for the 2027 AFCON.
The takeaway
Administrative disputes over tournament hosting highlight the growing complexity of international football governance. Stakeholders should monitor the CAS decision for its potential to set new precedents regarding match-day conduct and host selection criteria.
What happens next
The Court of Arbitration for Sport is scheduled to release its final award in November 2026. The 2027 AFCON finals are set to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
Further reading
For more background on continental tournaments, visit the Football section.
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