The Confederation of African Football awarded the title to Morocco earlier this month, two months after the final concluded with Senegal celebrating on the pitch.
Hosts Morocco were given a controversial penalty during the final as Senegal’s players left the pitch in protest, leading to a delay of nearly 20 minutes.
Following an appeal by the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), CAF ruled that by walking off the pitch Senegal had forfeited the match, with the "result being recorded as 3-0 in favour" of Morocco.
Senegal appeal the controversial decision
However, the Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON title as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs.
"Registered by CAS on 25 March 2026, the FSF appeal “seeks to set aside the CAF decision and declare the FSF winners of AFCON”.
"The FSF has also requested an immediate suspension of the time limit to submit an appeal brief until the CAF decision is notified with full grounds.
"A CAS Arbitral Panel will be appointed to consider this matter. Following this, a procedural calendar will be established.
An injustice?
Matthieu Reeb, CAS Director General spoke on the appeal and said the dispute will be investigated to find a proper result.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
Augustin Senghor, a Caf executive committee member and former head of the Senegalese Football Federation, spoke on the original decision which he deems to be an injustice:
"In a situation like this, we have to fight against injustice.
"Football is fair play, football is played is on the field, not in offices. What happened with Caf was unacceptable.
"When you see a committee taking such a decision in violation of our rules, in violation of the Fifa laws of the game, to take the trophy and give it to Morocco, I think it is something very abject. We have to denounce it."