The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced on Monday that it will deliver a complete ruling, known as a CAS Award, on Senegal’s appeal over the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title at the end of November 2026.
Senegal is contesting CAF’s decision to award Morocco the championship after the January final in Rabat, where Senegal won 1‑0 against the hosts after extra time. Senegal’s appeal was lodged on March 25 and heard by CAS in Lausanne on October 8, alongside arguments from Morocco and CAF.
During the original match, Senegal walked off the pitch for 14 minutes after a penalty was awarded against them late in regulation. Several players returned to the dressing room in protest before play resumed. Morocco missed the spot kick, sending the match into extra time where Senegal scored the winner. Two months later, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match by walking off, overturning the result and awarding a 3‑0 victory to Morocco.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the panel, presided over by French sports law expert Gerald Simon with Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and Hamburg‑based attorney Ulrich Haas, will take several weeks to issue the Award. The decision will include procedural and legal aspects and will be enforceable under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.
Senegal’s appeal hinges on the referee’s decision being final and the match being completed. The CAS panel’s ruling will determine whether CAF’s overturning of the result stands or if Senegal’s 1‑0 win is reinstated.
Fans and stakeholders are awaiting the final outcome, which is expected to be announced at the end of November 2026. The decision will have significant implications for both national teams and CAF’s disciplinary procedures.
