Senegal has formally lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The Swiss-based tribunal confirmed Wednesday that it has received the appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The dispute stems from the AFCON final on January 18, where Senegal initially defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time. Tensions escalated late in the match after a penalty was awarded to Morocco following a VAR review. Senegal’s players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest, prompting CAF to later rule that Senegal had violated tournament regulations. This decision converted their 1-0 win into a 3-0 forfeit, awarding Morocco the championship.
Senegal’s appeal seeks to overturn CAF’s ruling and have their victory reinstated. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated that the tribunal will handle the case quickly while ensuring a fair process for all parties.
The final itself was marked by chaos. In injury time, Morocco was awarded a contentious penalty after a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal players paused the match for nearly 20 minutes, and some supporters attempted to storm the field. After being persuaded to return by Sadio Mane, Senegal continued the game, eventually winning through Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, claiming their second AFCON title following their first in 2022.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that African football associations have the right to appeal to CAS and promised that the governing body will respect the tribunal’s final decision. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the match, had earlier criticized some Senegal players for their conduct during the match.
Both teams are currently in Europe preparing for upcoming friendlies ahead of the World Cup. Senegal faces Peru in Paris on Saturday, while Morocco, under new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, plays Ecuador in Madrid on Friday and Paraguay in Lens on March 31.
