CAS Sets October Hearing for Senegal-Morocco AFCON Title Dispute
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final victory, awarding the championship to Morocco and imposing fines exceeding $1 million, as well as suspending Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw and several players. Senegal lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) contesting CAF’s decision, arguing that the disciplinary regulations were misapplied.
CAS announced that a closed‑door hearing will take place on 8 October 2026. The panel will review the arguments and evidence before deliberating, but no ruling will be issued immediately after the hearing. The disputed final featured a late penalty awarded to Morocco, a walk‑off by Senegal’s players in protest, and a subsequent return to the field after captain Sadio Mané urged them to continue. The outcome of the arbitration will determine whether Morocco retains the title or Senegal’s original win is reinstated.
Entities: Confederation of African Football (CAF) · Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) · Moroccan Football Federation · Sadio Mané · Senegal Football Federation
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The disputed final featured a late penalty awarded to Morocco, leading to on‑field protests and a walk‑off by Senegal's players.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Senegal captain Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to resume play after the walk‑off.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Senegal appealed CAF's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
- [○ 1 SOURCE] CAS said no decision will be delivered immediately after the hearing; the panel will deliberate before issuing a verdict.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] CAF imposed fines exceeding $1 million and suspended Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw and several players.
- [● 2 SOURCES] CAS scheduled a closed‑door hearing for the case on 8 October 2026.
- [● 3 SOURCES] CAF overturned Senegal's 2025 AFCON final win and awarded the title to Morocco.