The controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal has taken a new turn, as a member of CAF's Appeal Jury has publicly voiced opposition to the body's ruling on the disputed match. The development adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious case that has gripped African football.
The AFCON 2025 final, which saw Morocco claim the title, has been mired in controversy following allegations of officiating irregularities. Senegal lodged a formal protest, triggering a series of legal and disciplinary proceedings within CAF's institutional framework. The Appeal Jury's ruling, which upheld the result in favor of Morocco, has now been challenged from within by one of its own members.
The dissenting jury member's protest raises serious questions about the integrity of the internal review process. The case is now awaiting a final determination from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which represents the last avenue of appeal in international sports disputes. CAS is considered an independent body and its rulings are binding on all parties.
The outcome of the CAS proceedings is expected to be closely watched across the continent, as it will set a precedent for how disputed results in major African football competitions are handled. Both the Moroccan and Senegalese football federations, as well as CAF, are awaiting the tribunal's final decision.
