The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially registered an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) challenging the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. The legal battle marks an unprecedented chapter in African football, as the “Lions of Teranga” seek to reclaim the trophy they won on the pitch in January.
Background: The “Walk-Off” Controversy
The dispute stems from the AFCON 2025 final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026. While the match originally ended in a 1–0 victory for Senegal after extra time (goal by Pape Gueye), the game was marred by a chaotic 14-to-17-minute delay in late stoppage time.
Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest after a controversial VAR decision awarded a penalty to Morocco. Although the team eventually returned and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved the subsequent penalty, Morocco filed an appeal arguing that the walk-off constituted a breach of tournament regulations.
The CAF Ruling
On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the original result. Citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations—which state that any team refusing to continue play or leaving the field without the referee’s permission is deemed to have forfeited—CAF declared Morocco the winners with a retrospective 3–0 scoreline. This decision effectively made Morocco two-time AFCON champions, 50 years after their first title.
Senegal’s Case at CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation is now asking CAS to:
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- Annul the CAF decision: Senegal argues the ruling has no legal foundation and was “unjust.”
- Restore Senegal as Champions: The FSF maintains that the match was completed and won through sporting performance.
- Clarify Procedural Grounds: Senegal requested a pause on deadlines until CAF provides a full explanation of the ruling, though CAS has denied this specific request to maintain a standard timeline.
What Happens Next?
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb confirmed that an Arbitral Panel will be formed to review the case. Under standard procedural rules:
- Senegal (Appellant): Has 20 days to file a full appeal brief with legal arguments.
- CAF & Morocco (Respondents): Have an additional 20 days to submit their defense statements.
- The Trophy: While Morocco are currently the official winners in the records, reports indicate the physical trophy remains in Senegal pending the final CAS verdict.
CAS has stated it will handle the dispute “as quickly as possible” given the high stakes for both nations and the integrity of the continental tournament.
