The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco in September 2024. However, a dispute arose after the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed a legal challenge with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), contesting the awarding process and claiming it had a superior bid.
In a recent development, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has publicly declared its support for Morocco's position. FIF President Idriss Diallo stated that the federation recognizes CAF's decision and supports the legal process, implicitly criticizing Senegal's challenge as disruptive to African football unity.
The Senegalese challenge argues procedural irregularities in the bidding process. The case is currently pending before CAS, with no public hearing date set as of late March 2026. The outcome could potentially impact the tournament's planning, though CAF and Moroccan organizers continue preparations.
This diplomatic support from Ivory Coast, the reigning AFCON champion, adds a significant political dimension to the legal dispute, highlighting divisions within the continent's football governing bodies ahead of the 2025 tournament.
