Senegal Fights Back! Sports Tribunal Begins Hearing Over Controversial AFCON Title Switch

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has commenced a hearing into Senegal’s appeal against the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the hearing began on Thursday in Lausanne, Switzerland, nearly 10 months after Senegal defeated hosts Morocco in a controversial final that was decided by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal.

The match was marred by tension after several Senegalese players reportedly left the pitch in protest when the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty. The players returned nearly 20 minutes later, allowing the game to continue, but Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the spot-kick.

CAF subsequently overturned the result in March, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the AFCON title. The continental football governing body ruled that Senegal had breached regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s authorisation.

Thursday’s opening session lasted more than five hours and was conducted behind closed doors. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the prolonged wait for supporters in Senegal, Morocco and across Africa, warning that the proceedings could take several days or even weeks.

Senegal Football Federation president Abdoulaye Sow expressed confidence that the tribunal would uphold the principles of sports law and protect the dignity and honour of African football. Morocco’s delegation declined to comment on the proceedings.

Senegal has strongly condemned CAF’s decision, describing it as the “most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport.” Despite the ruling, the Senegalese team displayed the trophy before supporters in Paris in late March.

Sports law researcher Thibault Ulrich of the University of Lausanne criticised CAF’s decision as exceptionally strict, arguing that it did not adequately consider the referee’s decision to allow the match to resume.

The dispute has also raised questions about the authority of match officials and the rules governing football proceedings. Regulations issued by the International Football Association Board generally protect referees’ decisions on matters of fact and the continuation of matches, while CAS procedures also place importance on respecting on-field decisions unless there are grounds to establish misconduct, corruption or bad faith.

Beyond the sporting controversy, the case has triggered concerns about CAF’s internal procedures. On March 18, the Senegalese government called for an investigation into suspected corruption within the organisation.

The controversy intensified after CAF dismissed Djiboutian lawyer Yassin Robleh, who had supervised the integrity of its procedures for six years. The organisation did not publicly provide an explanation for his removal.

The CAS proceedings are expected to determine whether CAF acted within its regulations when it overturned the original result and awarded Morocco the championship. The outcome could have significant implications for both countries and the administration of African football.