Senegal have taken their battle off the pitch and into the legal arena, filing an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over CAF’s decision to award the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco.
In a dramatic twist following the final whistle, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is pushing to overturn the ruling that stripped them of their victory.
CAS confirmed the appeal on Wednesday, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown.
“The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirms receipt of an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation,” CAS said in a statement on Wednesday.
The controversy stems from the AFCON final on January 18, where Senegal edged Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
However, the match took a heated turn when several Senegal players walked off in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco.
That moment ultimately proved decisive, not on the scoreboard, but in the boardroom.
CAF, after reviewing Morocco’s protest, ruled on March 17 that Senegal had breached competition regulations.
Consequently, the governing body flipped the result to a 3-0 forfeiture, crowning Morocco champions.
Now, Senegal are looking to reclaim what they believe was rightfully earned on the pitch.
CAS confirmed that Senegal’s appeal “seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON”.
“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,” added CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb.
Meanwhile, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has backed the legal process, maintaining that the organization will stand by whatever verdict emerges from the highest arbitration level.
Away from the legal tussle, both nations are shifting focus back to on-field preparations.
Senegal are gearing up for a friendly clash against Peru in Paris, while Morocco continue their build-up with matches against Ecuador and Paraguay following a recent coaching change.
As the case heads into extra time at CAS, the final whistle on this AFCON controversy is yet to be blown.
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