The [Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)](https://www.tas-cas.org) is expected to issue its judgment within a few days on the disputed Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title that pits the [Senegal national team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal_national_football_team) against the [Morocco national team](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morocco_national_football_team). The hearing took place on Thursday at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, nearly nine months after Senegal’s 1‑0 extra‑time win over Morocco in the final.
**When will the decision be announced?**
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb told reporters that the three‑member panel aims to deliver its ruling “a few days later,” after completing its review of the case.
**What sparked the controversy?**
In March, the [Confederation of African Football (CAF)](https://www.cafonline.com) Appeals Board overturned Senegal’s on‑field victory, awarding Morocco a 3‑0 win on the grounds that Senegal had forfeited the match. The forfeiture claim stemmed from a brief walk‑off by Senegalese players who protested a late penalty given to Morocco. Play resumed under Congolese referee Jean‑Jacques Ndala.
**What legal issues are at stake?**
A central point of the appeal concerns the authority of the referee, as football’s Law 5.2 states that a referee’s decisions on facts connected with play, including match results, are final. Senegal has asked CAS to nullify CAF’s decision and reinstate its original triumph.
**What did the CAS official say?**
Reeb acknowledged the long wait for supporters, noting, “I know it’s a long wait for the fans, a few months after the final. The procedural calendar has been established with the agreement of the parties.”
The hearing was conducted behind closed doors, with legal teams for both federations and CAF present. CAF has also imposed fines exceeding $1 million on the two associations, the players, and Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. While CAF now records Morocco as the 3‑0 champion, Senegal continues its legal challenge. The next AFCON tournament is slated for June and will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.