The long-running dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title is nearing its conclusion, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) promising to deliver a decision within days on Senegal’s appeal against the controversial decision to award Morocco the championship.
CAS heard arguments from both sides on Thursday, October 8, as Senegal seeks to overturn the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip them of the title and declare Morocco champions.
Senegal had initially won the January final in Rabat, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, the result was overturned two months later after CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match following their players’ decision to walk off the pitch in protest.
The controversy erupted late in regulation time when a penalty was awarded to Morocco. Senegal’s players temporarily left the field for approximately 14 minutes, with some heading to the dressing room before eventually returning to continue the match.
Morocco subsequently missed the penalty, and the game proceeded to extra time, where Senegal scored the decisive goal to secure what appeared to be their victory.
However, CAF later overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, prompting Senegal to take the matter to CAS, sport’s highest court for arbitration.
Speaking after Thursday’s hearing, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the court intends to issue a reasoned ruling as soon as possible.
“I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later,” Reeb said, adding that the hearing had focused on procedural and legal issues.
He acknowledged the frustration among supporters who have waited months for a definitive resolution but noted that the timetable had been agreed upon by the parties involved.
The appeal, lodged by Senegal on March 25, was heard by a three-member panel chaired by French sports law expert Gerald Simon, alongside Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and University of Zurich law professor Ulrich Haas.
Senegal’s delegation expressed confidence following the closed-door proceedings, with the country’s Football Federation General Secretary Abdoulaye Sow stressing the importance of upholding sporting justice.
“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.
Morocco’s delegation declined to address the media after the hearing.
The upcoming CAS ruling will determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands or whether Senegal’s original victory is restored.
The verdict is expected to bring an end to one of the most contentious disputes in recent African football history, with supporters from both nations awaiting the final outcome.
For Senegal, the case represents a fight to reclaim a title they believe they won on the pitch, while Morocco await confirmation of the championship awarded to them by CAF.
With CAS expected to announce its decision within days, the question remains: Will Senegal reclaim their AFCON crown, or will Morocco retain the title?
