Why Senegal’s AFCON case at CAS could take up to 9 months for final ruling

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) could take time to deliver a verdict as the Senegalese Football Federation prepares to challenge CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title.

The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal breached Article 84 of the regulations, which prohibits staging a walk-off. As a result, Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the game, and the final result was nullified.

Applying the regulation, Morocco were declared champions with a 3-0 scoreline against Senegal as punishment for the temporary walk-off.

CAF declares Morocco 2025 AFCON champions

Senegal vehemently rejected the ruling, describing it as a “travesty” that undermines the integrity and credibility of football on the African continent.

Although the ruling was made public on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the federation must first receive the official decision. From then, it will have 21 days to lodge an appeal at CAS.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the Switzerland-based court can fast-track procedures in urgent situations, such as when a ruling is needed before a tournament or competition begins.

However, cases without urgent timelines normally take longer and several months before judges issue a ruling.

Ordinary arbitration cases last between 12 and 18 months, while appeal proceedings on average take 6 to 9 months for a final judgment to be delivered.

In Senegal’s case, since it is an appeal rather than ordinary arbitration, the process is expected to take about 9 months, depending on CAS officials’ determination.

The Senegalese FA now awaits official notification of the AFCON ruling from CAF before lodging its appeal, which is expected to result in a lengthy legal tussle.

SB/JE

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