CAS Suspends CAF's Shocking AFCON Title Flip, Backs Senegal's Appeal—for Now
By Emmanuel Njaka
African football faces renewed turmoil as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has temporarily blocked a divisive Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision that revoked Senegal's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and handed it to Morocco.
CAS this week accepted Senegal's urgent appeal against CAF's Appeals Board ruling. It issued an interim order freezing the verdict's enforcement, leaving the AFCON crown in suspense until a full hearing.
The saga traces back to the chaotic January 2026 final in Morocco, where Senegal triumphed 1-0 after extra time. Late drama unfolded when officials awarded Morocco a disputed penalty. Senegal's players protested by briefly walking off the pitch. Though the kick missed and play resumed, Morocco later protested, claiming the walk-off triggered AFCON forfeiture rules.
Around March 17, CAF's Appeals Board agreed, overturning the result to a 3-0 Morocco win and stripping Senegal's title. Senegal decried the call as unfair and disproportionate, rushing the case to CAS.
In a provisional win for Senegal, CAS ruled that enforcing CAF's decision now could inflict lasting damage especially revoking a hard-won continental championship. The trophy sits unclaimed, with no official 2025 AFCON winner.
A final CAS verdict looms in the months ahead, as Senegal pushes to restore their on-pitch victory and Morocco defends the forfeiture claim. CAF vows to honor the outcome.
For now, one of African football's wildest title battles hangs in the balance, no victor yet.