The long-running dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco is approaching a decisive moment, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) expected to deliver its verdict by the end of November 2026.
The announcement has renewed attention on one of the most controversial episodes in African football, with Senegal fighting to reclaim a title they initially won on the pitch before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result and awarded the championship to Morocco.
CAS confirmed on Monday that its final decision would require several more weeks, as the arbitration panel prepares a comprehensive ruling explaining both its decision and the legal reasoning behind it. The announcement means supporters of both countries must wait longer for a resolution to a dispute that has divided opinion across the continent.
The court heard arguments from the Senegalese Football Federation, CAF and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8. Although an earlier indication suggested that a decision might follow within days, CAS has now opted to issue a detailed arbitration award, with the verdict expected towards the end of November.
At the centre of the dispute is the dramatic final played in Rabat on January 18, 2026, when Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal, seemingly securing Senegal’s second continental title after a tense contest that ended in extraordinary circumstances.
The match appeared to be heading towards its conclusion when controversy erupted over a late penalty awarded to Morocco following a video assistant referee review.
Senegal’s players protested the decision and temporarily left the pitch, with the stoppage lasting approximately 14 minutes. The team eventually returned, and Morocco were unable to convert the penalty, leaving the contest to proceed into extra time.
Senegal subsequently found the winning goal through Gueye, and their players celebrated what appeared to be a historic triumph. However, the celebrations would later be overshadowed by an unprecedented disciplinary dispute.
Two months after the final, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match because of their players’ conduct during the protest. Applying Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, the board overturned the original result and recorded a 3-0 victory in Morocco’s favour.
The decision effectively transferred the continental title to Morocco, despite Senegal having won the match on the field. It triggered widespread debate about the application of competition rules, the authority of match officials and the consequences of players leaving the pitch in protest.
Senegal rejected the ruling and took the matter to CAS, registering their appeal on March 25, 2026. The Senegalese Football Federation is seeking to overturn CAF’s decision, restore the original result and have Senegal officially recognised as champions.
A central element of Senegal’s argument concerns the referee’s handling of the incident. The federation maintains that the match was allowed to continue after the players returned to the field and that the result should therefore stand.
The case has placed the interpretation of football regulations under intense scrutiny. While CAF’s decision focused on the consequences of Senegal’s temporary walk-off, the appeal requires CAS to examine the applicable rules, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the legal arguments advanced by all parties.
Morocco, meanwhile, has a direct interest in defending the outcome awarded by CAF. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation participated in the proceedings alongside CAF, with both parties presenting their positions during the October hearing.
The impending verdict could have significant consequences for both national teams and the wider governance of African football. If CAS upholds CAF’s decision, Morocco’s status as champions will remain intact, and Senegal’s appeal will have failed.
If Senegal succeeds, however, the ruling could overturn the administrative decision that stripped them of the title and potentially restore the result recorded on the pitch.
The case is particularly significant because CAS serves as an independent arbitration body for international sporting disputes. Its decisions are generally binding on the parties involved, making the forthcoming award a critical step towards resolving the disagreement.
Beyond the immediate question of who should be recognised as champions, the ruling could influence how future disciplinary disputes involving abandoned matches, player protests and competition regulations are interpreted.
For supporters in Senegal, the wait has been especially frustrating. The team initially celebrated victory after an intense final, only to see the result overturned weeks later. The legal proceedings have prolonged the uncertainty and prevented the controversy from fading from public attention.
Moroccan supporters, on the other hand, will be hoping CAS confirms the decision that awarded their country the title.
Neither side can claim a final resolution until the arbitration panel delivers its verdict. For now, CAF’s decision awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory remains in place while Senegal’s appeal is considered.
With the ruling expected by the end of November, the countdown has begun towards a decision that could finally settle the disputed AFCON final.
Until then, African football remains caught between the result witnessed on the pitch in Rabat and the subsequent disciplinary ruling that changed the official outcome. The forthcoming CAS award will determine whether that decision stands or whether Senegal can reclaim the championship they believe they won.
