Senegal vs Morocco: CAS will issue its final verdict in the controversial AFCON final

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set Thursday, May 7, 2026 to deliver its verdict on the controversy surrounding the final of the African Cup of Nations between Senegal and Morocco.

Senegal initially won the match 1-0 on the field, but Morocco later lodged a complaint after Senegalese players reportedly left the field following a late penalty awarded to the hosts after their goal was disallowed minutes earlier.

Despite the interruption, Senegal eventually triumphed in extra time, but the final was later annulled by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a decision that shocked the football world.

Since then, the ruling has been widely debated and many expect the CAS to have the final say on the matter as both sides await a decisive ruling determining who the legitimate defenders are.

Experienced sports referee Raymond Hack believes Senegal has a strong case, arguing that the CAF appeals committee’s decision lacks a solid legal basis.

“The referee is the only person who can stop a match. Once he blows the final whistle, that is the final decision. Everything else has no legal weight,” Hack said.

He further noted that Morocco did not file an official protest during the match, including overtime, which could weaken its argument before the CAS.

Although CAS procedures typically take several months, the urgency of the case has led to an accelerated process.

Senegal currently holds the trophy won on the pitch, but could be forced to hand it over to Morocco pending the outcome of next week’s ruling.