The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to issue its final ruling on the dispute surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco by the end of November 2026, following a hearing held behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
In a statement, CAS confirmed that the hearing took place on 8 October, adding that the arbitration panel had begun its deliberations and was continuing to review the case.
“The CAS arbitrators have decided to issue a complete ruling, which includes legal grounds, known as a CAS Award,” the organisation said, noting that the process would require several weeks.
The final award is expected to be delivered at the end of November 2026.
Controversial Scenes Mar AFCON Final
The dispute stems from the AFCON final played in Rabat on 18 January, when Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy late in normal time after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty while the score remained goalless.
The decision triggered protests from Senegal’s players, several of whom walked off the pitch in protest. Some Senegalese supporters also attempted to invade the field, forcing a suspension of play for almost 20 minutes before the players returned and the match resumed.
The incident sparked questions over the conduct of the final and the disciplinary and regulatory implications of the players’ actions.
CAS Ruling to Determine the Next Steps
The CAS proceedings are expected to clarify the legal grounds underpinning the dispute and provide a final determination on the matters brought before the tribunal.
As the independent body responsible for resolving disputes in international sport, CAS issues binding arbitration awards in cases referred to it, subject to the applicable legal framework.
The ruling, expected by the end of November, will mark a key stage in resolving the dispute arising from one of the most contentious moments of the tournament’s final.
