Senegal have formally challenged the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations title, lodging an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the Swiss-based body confirmed on Wednesday.
In a statement, CAS said it had received an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation against both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The case centres on CAF’s decision to overturn the result of the Africa Cup of Nations final played on 18 January.
Senegal had originally been crowned champions after a 1–0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco, but CAF later ruled that Senegal had breached tournament regulations when several players briefly left the pitch in protest at a late penalty decision.
Following an appeal by Morocco, CAF declared the match forfeited, converting Senegal’s victory into a 3–0 defeat and awarding the title to the hosts.
CAS said Senegal is seeking to have CAF’s ruling annulled and to be reinstated as champions.
Its director general, Matthieu Reeb, said the tribunal was aware of the urgency surrounding the case and would aim to conclude proceedings swiftly while ensuring a fair hearing for all parties.
The controversy erupted late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review of a challenge involving Brahim DÃaz.
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The decision prompted angry scenes, including an attempted pitch incursion by supporters and a lengthy stoppage as Senegal’s players protested before being persuaded to resume play by Sadio Mane.
Morocco missed the resulting spot-kick, and Senegal went on to score the decisive goal in extra time, seemingly securing a second continental crown after their maiden success in 2022.
Morocco’s federation later said its appeal was not aimed at questioning Senegal’s performance, but at enforcing competition rules.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has backed the right of national associations to approach CAS and pledged that the governing body would abide by the tribunal’s verdict.
In the immediate aftermath of the final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino criticised what he described as unacceptable scenes involving some Senegal players.
Both nations are continuing their international preparations with Senegal to face Peru in a friendly at the Stade de France on Saturday.
Morocco, now coached by Mohamed Ouahbi following the departure of Walid Regragui, to play Ecuador in Madrid before meeting Paraguay in France next week.