The trophy for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has not been physically awarded to champions Senegal due to an ongoing legal dispute. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) concerning the eligibility of a Senegalese player during the tournament, according to multiple sports news reports.
The case centers on allegations that Senegal fielded an ineligible player. This has delayed the customary handover of the physical trophy to the Senegalese Football Federation. While Senegal's victory on the pitch in 2025 is not formally overturned, the procedural impasse is unprecedented in the competition's history.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed it has registered an appeal from the FRMF. The process is ongoing, and a timeline for a final decision has not been publicly specified. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not issued an official statement on the matter as of mid-April 2026.
The situation leaves the title in a state of administrative limbo. The Senegalese federation maintains its victory is legitimate, while the Moroccan federation pursues its case through sport's highest legal authority, prolonging the controversy.
