Months of uncertainty surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations crown are drawing to a close as sports highest court prepares to announce its final ruling. According to Reuters reporting published by Al Jazeera, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has promised a speedy resolution following a hearing held on Thursday.
Senegal is formally contesting a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that stripped them of the AFCON title and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco. Reuters reported that Senegal had secured a 1-0 victory after extra time against the tournament hosts in January's final in Rabat.
Al Jazeera noted that the controversy began during regulation time when a penalty was awarded against Senegal, prompting players to walk off the pitch for 14 minutes in protest before returning to resume play. Although Morocco failed to convert the penalty, leading to the extra-time winner by Senegal, CAF's Appeal Board ruled two months later that Senegal had forfeited the match by walking off.
Following the CAF ruling, Senegal lodged an appeal with CAS on March 25, leading to Thursday's closed-door hearing.
Background
According to Al Jazeera and Reuters, the legal proceedings were heard by a CAS panel presided over by French sports law expert Gerald Simon, alongside Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and Hamburg-based law professor Ulrich Haas. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the lengthy wait for fans since the January final, stating that the procedural calendar was established with the agreement of all involved parties.
While Reeb did not provide a specific calendar date for the announcement, he indicated to reporters that the decision would arrive in a few days following discussions on procedural and legal aspects. Morocco's delegation chose not to speak to the media, whereas Senegal General Secretary Abdoulaye Sow expressed confidence to reporters, emphasizing the importance of upholding sports law and bringing closure to the matter for the sake of Africa's dignity.
What's next
CAS has stated that it will deliver a reasoned award regarding the disputed AFCON title within a few days following the conclusion of Thursday's hearing.