The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has confirmed that a decision on Senegal's appeal against being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title will be announced by the end of November. The court stated that the process requires several weeks, with the CAS Award expected in late November 2026.

Senegal is challenging the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to award the title to Morocco. Senegal had defeated the hosts, Morocco, 1-0 after extra time in the January final held in Rabat. However, CAF's Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match by walking off the pitch in protest, overturning the result and awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco.

CAS heard arguments from Senegal, Morocco, and CAF on October 8 in Lausanne. Initially, CAS indicated an expectation of a decision within days. However, the court has now opted to issue a complete ruling, including the legal grounds, which is known as a CAS Award. The CAS panel is presided over by French sports law expert Gerald Simon, with assistance from Italian international law professor Luigi Fumagalli and Hamburg-based lawyer and professor Ulrich Haas.

Senegal's appeal, lodged on March 25, centers on the argument that the referee's decision to allow the match to be completed should be final. The team had walked off the pitch for approximately 14 minutes late in regulation time after a penalty was awarded against them, with several players retreating to the dressing room in protest before play resumed. Morocco subsequently missed the penalty, leading to extra time where Senegal scored the decisive goal.

CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the long wait for fans, noting that the discussions would focus on procedural and legal aspects rather than factual disputes. He stated that the facts of the match are clear. CAS decisions, known as awards, carry the same legal weight as national court judgments and can be enforced by sports federations or state courts.

The original match saw significant controversy when Senegal players protested a late penalty decision. Their brief walk-off and subsequent return to complete the match was later deemed a forfeiture by CAF's Appeal Board, leading to the title being rescinded and awarded to Morocco. This decision prompted Senegal's immediate appeal to CAS.

The CAS Award, when issued, will provide a definitive resolution to the dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations title. The ruling will be binding and enforceable, bringing finality to the contentious outcome of the tournament's final match.

This process highlights the complex intersection of on-field events, disciplinary procedures, and international sports arbitration. The delay in the CAS decision underscores the thoroughness required in reviewing such appeals, particularly those involving significant championship titles.