Broos’ AFCON Final Verdict Resurfaces as Morocco-Senegal Case Goes Before CAS

Former South Africa head coach Hugo Broos’ comments backing Morocco in the disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final have resurfaced following a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

French sports outlet Football365 revisited the Belgian coach’s position on Friday, months after he supported the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board to award Morocco a 3-0 victory over Senegal.

Broos made the comments in March while he was still in charge of South Africa’s national team, weighing in on the controversy surrounding the final and the subsequent decision by CAF’s appeal body.

The dispute centres on the chaotic conclusion to the final, during which Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. Play later resumed, but Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the spot-kick before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.

CAF’s Appeal Board subsequently overturned the original result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, prompting the Senegalese Football Federation to challenge the decision at CAS.

Senegal lodged its appeal on 25 March, seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling and have the original outcome of the final recognised.

The case reached a closed-door hearing in Lausanne on Thursday, 8 October, with representatives of Senegal, Morocco and CAF presenting their arguments before a three-member arbitration panel.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said after the hearing that the panel would concentrate on the procedural and legal questions arising from the dispute.

He added that a reasoned decision would be issued as soon as possible, although no specific date was announced.

Representatives of Morocco declined to comment publicly after the proceedings, while Senegalese Football Federation Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow confirmed that his side had presented its arguments before the panel.

Broos’ earlier comments have consequently returned to the spotlight as the football community awaits the outcome of the legal battle. His position represents one of the prominent public interventions supporting Morocco’s interpretation of the regulations, but it does not determine the outcome of the appeal.

The final decision rests with CAS, whose ruling could have significant implications for the official outcome of the continental showpiece.

Broos, 74, is no longer South Africa’s head coach. He left the position at the end of July after five years in charge of Bafana Bafana, during which he guided the team to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The CAS verdict is expected to bring greater clarity to the controversy surrounding the final and determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands.