David GOMBE
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed that it has received an appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF, in French) against the Confederation of African Football
(CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French).
(CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF, in French).
The appeal concerns a CAF decision on 17 March 2026 declaring that the Senegal national team forfeited the final of the Africa
Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 and recording the Moroccan national team as the winners of the match by 3-0.
CAS says it has registered the appeal on 25 March 2026, in which the FSF seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON.
The Senegalese Federation also requests an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an
appeal briefly until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds. The CAF decision rendered on 17th March 2026 was operative only.
A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter. Following this, a procedural calendar
will be established. In accordance with CAS procedural rules, an Appellant has twenty days to file an appeal brief with legal arguments, and the Respondents then have a further twenty days to submit an answer containing a statement of defence. At this early stage of proceedings and considering the FSF request to suspend deadlines, it is not possible to anticipate a procedural timeline and to indicate when a hearing will be scheduled.
Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General has issued the following comment: “CAS is perfectly equipped
to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. 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.”
CAS is expected to provide the media with accurate and updated information on a hearing, if and when scheduled. Proceedings whilst ongoing, are confidential.
Last week, CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco.
On the appeal by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CAF Appeal Board made the following rulings:
– “The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.
– The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
– The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– The protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.
– It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
– All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed.”
Pape Thiaw’s Senegal side had lifted the trophy after chaotic scenes that saw the team walk off the pitch in protest at a late penalty given against them. Senegal however went on to win the game 1-0 after extra time.
