Senegal’s football federation has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. They challenge the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title. CAF awarded the trophy to Morocco instead. The Swiss-based CAS confirmed it received the appeal on March 25, 2026. This affects the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, teams, and fans. The move could overturn CAF’s recent March 17 ruling and restore Senegal’s 1-0 win from the final.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed receipt of the appeal. The Senegalese Football Federation filed it against CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Senegal seeks to set aside the CAF decision. They want to be declared AFCON winners.
CAF announced its ruling on March 17. It upheld an appeal from the Moroccan federation. CAF said Senegal forfeited the final match. This changed Senegal’s 1-0 victory into a 3-0 loss. As a result, host Morocco became champions.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said: “We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
The AFCON final took place on January 18. Senegal won 1-0 in extra time. During the match, several Senegalese players walked off the pitch. They protested a penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF ruled this broke tournament rules.
The walk-off happened in the final moments. Senegal still secured the win after returning. But Morocco appealed the result. CAF agreed with them last week.
This dispute raises questions for African football. A CAS ruling could give the title back to Senegal. Or it might confirm Morocco as champions. Teams and fans wait for clarity. It tests CAF’s authority on rules.
Senegal hopes to reverse the forfeiture. The appeal focuses on the walk-off penalty. CAF’s decision stands for now. But CAS promises a fair process.
CAS plans to handle the case quickly. It will give all sides a fair hearing. No exact timeline has been set. The arbitration follows standard procedures.
Fans and teams want a fast resolution. Other football news includes a FIFA probe into Congo finances. South Africa won a T20 cricket series in New Zealand. Bafana Bafana prepares for friendlies.
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