Lausanne has become the latest stop in a long-running African football dispute, with Senegal’s attempt to reclaim the Africa Cup of Nations title now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. A ruling is expected within days after a closed-door hearing on Thursday, leaving the continent’s men’s champions still unconfirmed months after the final in Rabat.
Senegal had won the turbulent January final 1-0 against Morocco after extra time, but the result was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football. In March, CAF’s appeals panel awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, ruling that Senegal had left the pitch in protest after a penalty was given to the hosts and caused a 15-minute interruption.
The fallout from the match extended beyond the field. The final was marked by violent confrontations involving Senegal supporters and Moroccan police, while the disciplinary consequences of the stoppage have remained fiercely contested ever since.
A final replayed in Switzerland
Three CAS judges heard the case at the court’s headquarters in Lausanne, with Senegal seeking to have the original outcome restored and the trophy returned. The hearing was scheduled for one day and took place behind closed doors.
The role of Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala is expected to be central to Senegal’s challenge. The case turns in part on the authority of the match official during the disputed penalty incident and the subsequent departure of Senegal’s players from the field.
Lawyers and representatives of both national associations did not address reporters as they arrived for the proceedings. The presidents and senior federation leaders from Senegal and Morocco were not present, as they were attending a three-day CAF football summit in Cape Verde, also attended by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Decision expected shortly
CAS director general Matthieu Reeb said the panel intended to issue its decision a few days after the hearing. He acknowledged the extended wait for supporters, noting that the procedural timetable had been agreed by both sides.
The forthcoming verdict will determine whether Senegal’s extra-time victory stands or whether Morocco retain the 3-0 award handed down by CAF, bringing a delayed conclusion to one of African football’s most contentious finals.
