The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set 8 October 2026 as the date for the appeal hearing regarding Senegal's contested Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. Senegal is challenging the Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s decision to strip them of the trophy following a contentious final against Morocco earlier this year. The incident occurred on 18 January, when Senegal's players walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.
The match, played in Rabat, saw the closing stages descend into disarray. A VAR check led to a penalty decision in favour of hosts Morocco, prompting then-Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to lead his team from the field. Although they eventually returned, and Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the spot-kick, Pape Gueye later secured what appeared to be a 1-0 victory for Senegal in extra time.
However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodged a complaint with CAF, arguing that Senegal should have forfeited the match for their 14-minute protest. According to AFCON regulations, specifically Articles 82 and 84, a team that "refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee" is deemed to have forfeited, resulting in an automatic 3-0 win for their opponents.
On 17 March, the CAF appeal board upheld this complaint, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and consequently stripping Senegal of the title. CAF stated that Senegal had "infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations" and, in application of Article 84, was "declared to have forfeited the match."
CAS confirmed last Friday that the hearing would proceed on 8 October, noting that an expedited procedure was not agreed upon by the Senegalese federation, CAF, and the Moroccan federation. The highest court in sport also confirmed that the proceedings would take place behind closed doors and that a decision would not be announced on the day of the hearing.