CAS ruling on Senegal-Morocco AFCON final due in November

Scenes during the AFCON Final between Senegal and Morocco

The Court of Arbitration for Sport says its ruling on Senegal’s appeal against the withdrawal of their Africa Cup of Nations title is expected at the end of November 2026.

Senegal are challenging the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip them of the title and award it to Morocco, despite their 1-0 victory over the hosts in January’s final in Rabat.

The arguments of Senegal, Morocco and CAF were heard by CAS in Lausanne on October 8. The court initially indicated that a decision would follow within days but has now opted to issue a complete ruling, including its legal grounds.

“This process will require several weeks, with the CAS Award expected at the end of November 2026,” CAS said in a statement on Monday.

The dispute stems from events late in regulation time when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch for 14 minutes after a penalty was awarded against them. Morocco missed the spot kick before the match proceeded into extra time, where Senegal scored the winner.

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Two months later, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the pitch, overturning the result and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

Senegal lodged their appeal with CAS on March 25, arguing that the referee’s decision was final and that he had allowed the match to continue.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb had earlier acknowledged the frustration caused by the wait, saying the remaining discussions concerned procedural and legal issues.

The ruling will determine whether CAF’s decision stands or Senegal’s appeal succeeds, potentially settling one of African football’s most contentious disputes.

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