The long-running dispute over the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final will move to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as Senegal challenges the decision that handed the title to hosts Morocco.
Senegal originally defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026. However, the match was later overturned after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the game.
The controversy followed an incident late in regulation time when Senegal players temporarily left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty. The players later returned, the penalty was missed, and Senegal went on to score the winning goal in extra time.
In March 2026, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions amounted to a forfeiture under the AFCON regulations and recorded the match as a 3–0 victory for Morocco, effectively declaring Morocco champions.
The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently appealed the decision to CAS, asking for the CAF ruling to be overturned and for Senegal to be reinstated as AFCON champions. CAS registered the appeal on March 25, 2026.
The hearing will take place at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, behind closed doors. A three-member panel led by Professor Gérald Simon will hear arguments from Senegal, Morocco and CAF.
CAS has also made clear that no final ruling will be delivered on the day of the hearing. The panel will begin deliberations after hearing the parties, with the date of the final decision yet to be announced.
The case could ultimately determine whether Morocco retains the title awarded by CAF or Senegal is restored as the official winner of the AFCON final.
ALSO READ:FIFA Knew DR Congo Used Ineligible Goalkeeper Against Nigeria — Report
Hope you find the Above publication useful, Calabargist will love to keep you updated via our newsletter by subscribing with your email.
