The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has definitively settled the hosting rights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. On March 17, 2026, CAF's Appeal Board dismissed the appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation, thereby upholding the original decision to award the tournament to Morocco.
The dispute originated from CAF's Executive Committee decision in September 2024, which stripped Guinea of hosting rights due to unpreparedness and awarded them to Morocco. Senegal, which had also bid for the tournament, challenged this process, arguing it was not transparent. The appeal board's ruling ends the legal contest over the hosting rights.
Reaction in Senegal has been one of disappointment. Local media and fans have expressed frustration over the outcome, having hoped to host the continent's premier football event for the first time since 1992. The Senegalese federation has stated it respects the decision of the governing body.
Morocco, which last hosted the AFCON in 1988 and finished as runner-up in the 2023 edition, is now confirmed as the official host. Preparations for the 2025 tournament, which is scheduled for the summer, are expected to accelerate following this final legal resolution.
