Full Breakdown
CAS to Hear Senegal-Morocco AFCON Title Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Hearing Set for October 8, 2026
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear the dispute between the Senegalese Football Federation and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation on October 8, 2026. The case concerns the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which CAF’s Appeal Board overturned in favor of Morocco after stripping Senegal of the title it had won 1-0 in extra time. A three-man panel—French civil-rights expert Gérald Simon, Italian international-law professor Luigi Fumagalli, and Zurich-based lawyer Ulrich Haas—will consider arguments from Senegal, Morocco and CAF.
Background & Context
The final in Rabat ended 1-0 to Senegal after Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal. Late in regulation, a penalty was awarded to Morocco; Senegal players left the pitch for about 14 minutes before returning, and Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick. CAF’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned players and officials, and the Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco. Senegal lodged an appeal to CAS on March 25, 2026, seeking reinstatement as champions.
Official Statements & Responses
CAS indicated that deliberations will begin after the hearing and that a final decision will be issued at a later, unspecified date. CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organization will respect and implement whatever ruling the tribunal reaches. The hearing will be conducted in French and held behind closed doors in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Data & Statistics
- Original result: Senegal 1 – 0 Morocco (extra time).
- Penalty missed by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
- CAF Appeal Board’s retroactive award: Morocco 3 – 0 Senegal.
- Qualification for AFCON 2027: Senegal drew with Mozambique on September 25, 2026, then beat Ethiopia 1-0 on September 29, 2026; Morocco won its opening matches against Gabon and Lesotho.
What’s Next
The CAS panel will issue its judgment after the October 8 hearing; the exact timing of the decision has not been disclosed. CAF has pledged to implement the tribunal’s ruling once rendered.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Whatever decision the Court of Arbitration for Sport makes, we will implement it,” — Patrice Motsepe, CAF president