Senegal face anxious wait as CAS delays AFCON title verdict

Senegal face anxious wait as CAS delays AFCON title verdict

The West African nation is challenging the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip them of the crown and award it to Morocco following January's controversial final in Rabat.

CAS heard arguments from Senegal, Morocco and CAF in Lausanne on October 8. Although the tribunal initially indicated that a decision could follow within days, it has now confirmed that a comprehensive ruling, including the legal grounds, will be issued later.

"This process will require several weeks, with the CAS Award expected at the end of November 2026," CAS said in a statement.

Senegal initially won the final 1-0 after extra time, but the match was overshadowed by a late penalty awarded to Morocco during regulation time.

Senegal's players walked off the pitch for approximately 14 minutes in protest, with several heading to the dressing room before returning to complete the match.

Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal subsequently scored the winning goal in extra time.

However, CAF's Appeal Board overturned the result two months later, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match by leaving the field of play. Morocco were awarded a 3-0 victory and declared champions.

Senegal lodged their appeal with CAS on March 25, arguing that the referee's decision was final and that he had allowed the match to continue to its conclusion.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb previously acknowledged the lengthy process, explaining that the dispute would centre on procedural issues and legal arguments.

The three-member panel is chaired by French sports law expert Gerald Simon, alongside Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and University of Zurich law professor Ulrich Haas.

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