The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has promised to deliver a decision within days on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip the country of its 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
Reuters reported on Thursday, October 8, that the sports tribunal had heard arguments from the parties involved in the dispute. However, the court did not announce a specific date for its final ruling.
The dispute concerns the AFCON final played in January in Rabat, Morocco, where Senegal initially defeated the host nation 1–0 after extra time.
The match became controversial after Senegal’s players temporarily left the field for approximately 14 minutes in protest over a penalty awarded to Morocco late in normal time. The Moroccan side failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal subsequently scored the winning goal in extra time.
Two months later, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board overturned the original result, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field. Morocco was consequently awarded a 3–0 victory and declared champion.
Senegal challenged the decision and filed an appeal with CAS on March 25, seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the tribunal intended to issue a reasoned decision as soon as possible following the hearing. He explained that the procedural timetable had been established with the agreement of the parties.
The hearing took place behind closed doors, with both sides represented by legal teams. The panel was led by French sports law expert Gérald Simon, supported by other specialists in international sports law.
Senegal’s football leadership expressed confidence in the legal process. The country’s general secretary, Abdoulaye Sow, said upholding sports law was important for the dignity of African football.
Morocco’s delegation did not comment publicly after the hearing, according to Reuters.
The case has attracted significant attention because its outcome could determine the official winner of one of Africa’s most prestigious football competitions. It also raises questions about match forfeiture rules, disciplinary procedures and the authority of football governing bodies.
For Senegal, a successful appeal could restore the title it initially won on the pitch. For Morocco, the existing CAF decision remains in its favour unless the tribunal rules otherwise.
CAS serves as an independent body for resolving disputes in sport, including appeals involving international federations and other sporting organisations.
The tribunal’s decision is expected to bring greater clarity to the prolonged dispute, which has divided supporters and generated debate about the application of football regulations.
Until the ruling is delivered, the legal status of the AFCON title remains subject to the outcome of Senegal’s appeal.
