The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed receiving an appeal from Senegal seeking to overturn the controversial decision to strip them of their Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared Morocco the champions on March 17, two months after the tense and heated conclusion of the tournament. Senegal was subsequently stripped of its title after its players left the field, and the team was deemed to have forfeited.
As a result, Morocco (the host nation) was awarded a 3-0 victory by default in the final match played on January 18, ending a 49-year wait for its second Africa Cup of Nations title.
Senegal’s appeal to CAS aims to overturn CAF’s decision and reinstate its title.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed that an arbitration panel will be appointed to assess the case. Senegal has 20 days to submit its legal arguments, while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has an additional 20 days to submit its defense brief.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated, “The Court is fully equipped to adjudicate this type of dispute with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators.”
He added, “We understand the eagerness of the teams and fans to know the final decision, and we will ensure that the arbitration proceedings are conducted as quickly as possible while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
According to Le Parisien, the case will take at least six months to a year to resolve.
