CAS Sets November Deadline for Senegal’s Appeal Over AFCON Title Awarded to Morocco

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to deliver its ruling at the end of November 2026 on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations title and award the trophy to Morocco.

The announcement, made on Monday, October 19, has extended the wait for football supporters following one of the most controversial endings in the tournament’s history. The dispute centres on the January final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time.

Despite Senegal’s victory on the pitch, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result, declaring Morocco the champions after reviewing the circumstances surrounding a dramatic stoppage-time incident.

HOW THE CONTROVERSY STARTED

The final was goalless near the end of regulation time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty. Senegal’s players strongly protested the decision, and several left the pitch for approximately 14 minutes before returning to continue the match.

Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and the game proceeded into extra time. Senegal subsequently scored the decisive goal through Pape Gueye, securing what appeared to be a historic victory.

However, the controversy did not end with the final whistle. Morocco challenged the circumstances of the match, and CAF’s Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the game because of the team’s temporary departure from the pitch.

In March, CAF overturned the original result and recorded a 3–0 victory for Morocco, officially awarding the North African country the title. Senegal rejected the decision and pursued an appeal through the international sports arbitration system.

SENEGAL TAKES THE CASE TO CAS

The Senegalese Football Federation lodged its appeal with CAS on March 25, seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling and have Senegal recognised as the rightful champions.

A hearing took place behind closed doors at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8. Representatives of Senegal, Morocco and CAF presented their arguments before the arbitration panel.

Senegal’s position includes the argument that the referee allowed the match to resume and reach its conclusion, making the subsequent reversal of the result a central issue in the dispute.

CAS initially indicated that a decision could arrive within days of the hearing. However, the court has now confirmed that the panel intends to issue a comprehensive award explaining both its final decision and the legal reasoning behind it.

The ruling is expected by the end of November 2026.

WHAT THE DECISION COULD MEAN

The forthcoming verdict could determine whether CAF’s decision stands or Senegal regains the championship it won on the field. It will also provide an important resolution to a dispute that has attracted widespread attention across African football.

For Senegalese supporters, the case represents an opportunity to challenge a decision they believe unfairly removed their team’s achievement. Moroccan supporters, meanwhile, will be waiting to see whether their country’s officially awarded title remains intact.

CAS decisions carry significant authority in international sports disputes and can be enforced through the relevant legal and sporting frameworks. Its ruling is therefore expected to have major consequences for both national teams and CAF.

Until the award is announced, Morocco remains the title holder under CAF’s decision, while Senegal continues its legal challenge.

The November verdict will finally clarify the official outcome of a final remembered not only for Senegal’s extra-time victory, but also for the extraordinary controversy that followed it.

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