Senegal appeal CAF AFCON ruling as CAS vows to fast-tracks case

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed it will handle Senegal’s appeal over the stripped Africa Cup of Nations title “as swiftly as possible,” though no definitive timeline has been set.

Senegal were initially crowned champions after a 1-0 win over Morocco national team in the January final, but the result was later overturned by Confederation of African Football, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

Appeal process underway

The controversy stems from Senegal’s players walking off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Although they eventually returned to complete the match, CAF ruled the action constituted a forfeiture following a successful appeal by the Moroccan FA.

Senegal have now escalated the matter to CAS, seeking to overturn the decision and reclaim the title.

CAS director general Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the urgency of the case but stressed the need for due process.

“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing,” Reeb said.

No clear timeline yet

Despite the commitment to expedite proceedings, CAS has not provided a specific timeline for a verdict.

Former CAF disciplinary head Raymond Hack previously indicated the process could extend up to six months, raising the possibility that the dispute may remain unresolved even during the upcoming World Cup.

From an operational standpoint, the delay introduces prolonged uncertainty into African football governance, with reputational and regulatory implications for all parties involved.