CAS to Rule Within Days on Senegal’s AFCON Title Appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has completed its hearing on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip the country of the Africa Cup of Nations title, with a ruling expected within days.

The proceedings were held behind closed doors in Rabat and concluded on Thursday. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the court expected to issue a decision a few days after the hearing, although no specific date was announced.

“I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later,” Reeb told reporters. “The facts are set, are clear, and the discussions will be on some procedural issues and legal aspects.”

Dispute over the final result

Senegal is challenging a decision by the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board to overturn the result of the final and award Morocco a 3-0 victory.

Senegal had beaten Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the January final. The match was interrupted after Senegal players left the pitch for 14 minutes following the award of a penalty against them late in regulation time. Several players went to the dressing room in protest before returning to continue the match.

Morocco did not score from the penalty, and Senegal later found the winning goal in extra time. CAF’s Appeal Board subsequently ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after walking off the pitch, overturned the result and declared Morocco the champions.

Senegal lodged its appeal with CAS on March 25. The case is being considered by a panel led by French sports law expert Gerald Simon, with Luigi Fumagalli and Ulrich Haas serving alongside him.

Decision date remains uncertain

Reeb acknowledged the wait for supporters several months after the final and said CAS was committed to delivering a reasoned decision as soon as possible.

“The timetable and the procedural calendar were established with the agreement of the parties involved in this case. So everybody knew about the timeline, and our objective as CAS, as the last instance authority, is to provide a reasoned award as soon as possible after the hearing today,” he said.

Senegal General Secretary Abdoulaye Sow said the country remained confident following the hearing. He said the priority was for sports law to be respected and for the dispute to be resolved.

“But the important thing is that sports law is upheld, and that this particular match is put to bed, for the sake of dignity and for Africa,” Sow said outside the hearing.

Morocco’s delegation did not speak to the media. CAS has not yet announced the outcome of the appeal.