The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) says it expects to deliver its ruling on Senegal’s appeal against the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title by the end of November 2026.
CAS announced the revised timeline on Monday, explaining that it would issue a comprehensive ruling, including the legal grounds for its decision, rather than an immediate verdict.
The court heard arguments from Senegal, Morocco and CAF in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8, initially indicating that a decision could be delivered within days.
However, CAS said the preparation of a complete ruling, formally known as a CAS Award, would require additional time.
“This process will require several weeks, with the CAS Award expected at the end of November 2026,” CAS said.
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Senegal are challenging CAF’s decision to overturn their 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in January’s AFCON final and award the hosts a 3-0 win.
CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after their players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty decision, despite subsequently returning to complete the encounter.
Senegal lodged their appeal on March 25, arguing that the referee’s decision to allow the match to continue and reach its conclusion should stand.
Speaking after the October 8 hearing, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the outcome and initially suggested that a decision would follow within days.
“I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later. The facts are set, are clear and the discussions will be on some procedural issues and legal aspects,” Reeb said.
The forthcoming ruling will determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands or Senegal’s victory is reinstated.
