Senegal Awaits CAS Decision on AFCON Title Dispute with Morocco Until Late November

Senegal Faces Extended Wait for CAS Ruling on AFCON Title Controversy

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has pushed back its decision regarding Senegal's appeal against losing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco. The ruling will now come by the end of November 2026, delaying resolution on this heated dispute.

Delay in Final Judgment

After the hearing on October 8 in Lausanne, where arguments from both the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) were presented, CAS announced that a thorough, detailed ruling will replace the initially expected quick verdict. This means fans and teams alike must wait several weeks for the comprehensive CAS Award expected late November.

CAS stated: "This process will require several weeks, with the CAS Award expected at the end of November 2026."

Matthieu Reeb, CAS director general, commented outside 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 not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later. The facts are set, clear; discussions focus on procedural and legal issues."

Background of the Dispute

The controversy erupted during the January 18 final in Rabat when Senegal players walked off the field in protest after a penalty was awarded against them. This stoppage lasted 14 minutes before play resumed. Despite Morocco missing the penalty, Senegal ultimately lost 1-0 in extra time.

In March, CAF's Appeal Board ruled that Senegal's walkout counted as a forfeit and handed Morocco a 3-0 default victory, stripping Senegal of the title. Senegal appealed this decision on March 25, arguing the referee’s decision to continue the match made the original ruling final.

Binding Arbitration Panel

The three-person panel includes French sports law expert Gerald Simon, Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli, and Hamburg-based lawyer and University of Zurich professor Ulrich Haas. Their ruling will hold the same authority as a national court judgment under the New York Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, meaning it can be enforced by sports authorities or courts.