Senegal Awaits November for CAS Decision on AFCON Title Dispute with Morocco

The Senegalese Football Federation must wait until late November to find out if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will overturn the decision that awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco. The delay comes after both countries and the Confederation of African Football presented their legal arguments in Lausanne on October 8.

Detailed Ruling Expected Instead of Quick Verdict

Initially, CAS suggested a ruling would come shortly after the hearing. Instead, they have decided to issue a comprehensive judgment, known as a CAS Award, providing full legal reasoning. On Monday, CAS officially announced the verdict would now be expected at the end of November 2026.

CAS director general Matthieu Reeb said before the hearing, "I know it’s a long wait for the fans a few months after the final between Senegal and Morocco. I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later. The facts are set, are clear and the discussions will be on some procedural issues and legal aspects."

Background: Walkout and Forfeiture

The controversy began late in regular time during the January 18 final in Rabat. After a penalty was awarded against Senegal, several players left the pitch in protest, heading back to the dressing room for 14 minutes. Play resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, but scored an extra-time winner to claim the match.

In March, the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s walkout amounted to a forfeit and awarded a 3-0 default victory to Morocco, stripping Senegal of the title. Senegal lodged their appeal on March 25, arguing the referee's decision is final and the match was completed under his direction.

Arbitration Panel and Binding Decision

The arbitration panel consists of three experts: French sports law specialist Gerald Simon, Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli, and Hamburg-based lawyer and University of Zurich professor Ulrich Haas. Their final decision carries the same force as a national court ruling under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards. This binding verdict can be enforced by sports authorities or state courts.