The Senegalese Football Federation challenges CAF's ruling on the AFCON final, seeking to retain their title following a controversial walkout.
Senegal has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco. This appeal follows an incident in the AFCON final where Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest of a penalty decision.
Background of the Final
In the AFCON final held on January 18, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time after a contentious moment in injury time. Morocco was awarded a penalty, which sparked protests from Senegal's team, leading to a nearly 20-minute delay before the game resumed.
CAF later upheld an appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, ruling that Senegal violated tournament regulations by walking off. As a result, CAF declared the match forfeited, changing the score to a 3-0 win for Morocco and naming them champions.
CAS confirmed receiving the appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation, which seeks to nullify CAF's decision and affirm Senegal as AFCON winners. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb stated that proceedings will be conducted swiftly while ensuring a fair hearing for all parties.
The controversy stems from the final's farcical moments, including a VAR-reviewed penalty that Morocco's Brahim Diaz took but missed. Senegal's Sadio Mane played a key role in coaxing his team back onto the field, allowing the match to continue to extra time where Senegal scored the winning goal.
In response to CAF's ruling, the Moroccan federation clarified that their appeal aimed only to enforce regulations, not to dispute the on-field performance. Both teams are currently preparing for upcoming friendlies, with Senegal facing Peru and Morocco playing Ecuador and Paraguay.
