Update: Senegal to file appeal over AFCON title strip
Published on March 19, 2026 at 10:01 AM by Edgar Naitha
Senegal’s football authorities have announced plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after the nation was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title.
“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute,” the federation said in a statement.
Senegal had originally won the match, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner in extra time, but controversy arose when the team walked off the pitch during the regular 90 minutes.
They protested after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed and Morocco was awarded a late penalty following VAR intervention.
Senegal manager Pape Thiaw appeared to urge his side to leave the field, and they returned about 15 minutes later, after which Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.
The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) later ruled Senegal had forfeited the game, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations that penalize teams leaving the field without referee permission.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will, as soon as possible, file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,” the statement added.
