CAS Promises Timely Resolution for Senegal's Appeal
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has committed to addressing the appeal lodged by Senegal regarding their disqualification from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. During a hearing held on Thursday, CAS officials listened to the arguments presented, with a decision expected to be announced within days. Senegal is contesting the ruling made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which declared Morocco the champions despite Senegal's victory over the host nation with a score of 1-0 after extra time in the final match held in Rabat last January.
The Controversy Surrounding the Final Match
According to sports journalist Hamza Ashtiwai, "The final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the AFCON title will be released in weeks, and it will not happen today." The Moroccan Football Federation presented new arguments that further support Article 82, asserting that Senegal's withdrawal from the field exceeded 14 minutes during the final. The Senegalese team had briefly exited the pitch following the awarding of a penalty against them in the dying moments of regular time, with numerous players returning to the locker room in protest before the match resumed.
Although Morocco failed to capitalize on the penalty, the match proceeded into extra time, where Senegal ultimately scored the winning goal. However, two months later, Senegal was stripped of the title after CAF's appeals committee ruled that their exit from the match constituted a withdrawal, thereby nullifying the result and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. Following this ruling, Senegal swiftly filed an appeal with CAS, seeking to overturn the controversial decision.
As reported by alarabiya.net.
