The controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title has taken another twist, with former Court of Arbitration for Sport arbitrator Raymond Hack warning that Senegal’s appeal may take time to resolve despite growing attention on the case.
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The Senegalese Football Federation has officially lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board that stripped the country of the AFCON title.
While fans and stakeholders may be expecting a swift resolution, Hack has cautioned otherwise.
According to him, there is currently no urgency attached to the case, meaning the process will follow standard legal procedures rather than being fast-tracked. This could significantly delay a final decision, prolonging uncertainty over the rightful holders of the title.
“There are processes that must be followed,” Hack explained, highlighting that both CAF and the Senegalese Football Federation will need to present their arguments, evidence, and legal interpretations before any ruling is made.
He also pointed out that the absence of immediate footballing consequences — such as upcoming AFCON qualifiers — reduces the pressure for an expedited decision. Without a pressing deadline, the case is likely to proceed at a measured pace.
The situation adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious issue that has divided opinion across African football. While some believe CAF acted within its regulations, others argue that the decision undermines the integrity of results achieved on the pitch.
For Senegal, the appeal represents a final opportunity to challenge the ruling and potentially reclaim the title. However, the legal route is rarely straightforward, and outcomes often hinge on detailed interpretations of regulations rather than emotional arguments.
As the case moves forward, all parties involved will be preparing for a potentially lengthy battle, one that could set an important precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.
For now, the message from Hack is clear: patience will be required.
Because in the world of sports arbitration, justice may come, but rarely in a hurry.
