Intro
Senegal challenges CAF ruling stripping AFCON title, seeks justice at CAS
Geneva
Senegal has formally appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking to overturn a controversial decision that stripped it of the Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco, with no timeline set for a verdict.
The appeal follows a surprise ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which revoked Senegal’s victory from the January final in Rabat and handed the title to the host nation. The decision has sparked widespread debate and intensified tensions within African football circles.
CAS confirmed that the Senegalese football federation has also requested additional time to submit a detailed appeal brief, citing CAF’s failure to provide written reasons explaining its decision. “At this early stage of proceedings, it is not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline or indicate when a hearing will be scheduled,” the tribunal said in a statement.
The controversy stems from a chaotic final in which Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a decisive penalty during a prolonged stoppage period. The incident occurred in the closing moments of the match and led to disciplinary action by CAF’s appeal judges, who later ruled to strip Senegal of the title.
The Senegalese government has backed the federation’s move, previously calling for an international investigation into alleged irregularities and suspected corruption within CAF. The appeal to CAS is expected to be a lengthy legal process, with both sporting and political implications.
Star forward Sadio Mané, who had lifted the trophy following the final, remains central to the narrative of the disputed victory, which had initially been celebrated as a major achievement for Senegalese football.
As proceedings begin in Switzerland, the case is set to test governance standards and dispute resolution mechanisms in international sport. Until a final ruling is delivered, uncertainty will continue to surround the rightful winner of Africa’s premier football tournament.