What was already announced has now officially happened: After being stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title, Senegal has lodged an appeal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“The International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Association against the African Football Confederation and the Royal Moroccan Football Association”said a statement from the Switzerland-based CAS on Wednesday.
The Senegalese association is appealing after the African Football Association (CAF) re-evaluated the tumultuous final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last week, subsequently stripping Senegal of the title and declaring final opponent Morocco as the new winner. The background to the decision was the chaotic final on January 18th in Rabat, which was about to be canceled.
CAS wants to make a decision as quickly as possible
After a late penalty whistle for Morocco, Senegal’s players temporarily left the pitch in protest – the game only continued after a long interruption. Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and in extra time Pape Gueye scored (94′) to make it 1-0 for Senegal. The CAF considered the Senegalese players’ behavior before the Diaz penalty a violation of Articles 82 and 84 and upheld an appeal by the Moroccan association.
The CAS announced a decision as soon as possible but carefully. “We understand that teams and fans are eagerly awaiting the final decision and we will ensure that the arbitration process is conducted as expeditiously as possible while preserving the right to a fair trial of all parties.”said CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb.
