On Thursday, October 8, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne will hear Senegal’s appeal over the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Morocco champions following a controversial final in Rabat.
Senegal beat Morocco 1‑0 after extra time in January, but walked off the pitch for 14 minutes after a penalty was awarded against them late in regulation. The team’s temporary departure prompted CAF’s Appeal Board to rule that Senegal had forfeited the match, overturning the result and awarding a 3‑0 victory to Morocco.
Senegal lodged an appeal with CAS on March 25 and is now seeking reinstatement as winners. A three‑man panel, chaired by French civil rights expert Gerald Simon with Italian law professor Luigi Fumagalli and Hamburg‑based lawyer Ulrich Haas, will hear arguments from Senegal, Morocco and CAF.
Senegal’s lawyers will argue that the Laws of the Game make the referee’s decisions final and that a temporary exit from the field does not equal abandonment, while Morocco will contend that leaving the ground without the referee’s authorisation must be treated as a forfeiture, as per CAF’s regulations.
The hearing will take place behind closed doors. CAS has stated that it will not announce a decision on the day of the hearing and that deliberations will begin thereafter.
Qualification for AFCON 2027 has already started, with Senegal opening their campaign against Mozambique on September 25 and Morocco winning both of their first two matches.
Watch the CAS panel’s decision to see whether Senegal can reclaim the 2026 title or if Morocco will retain the championship.
