Senegal's forward #10 Sadio Mane and Players of Senegal hold up the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on January 18, 2026. Photo by Kevin Ngandu Katayi/ABACAPRESS.COM
Sénégal has formally initiated an appeal process. Following the decision by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) to strip the Sénégal national team of their Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2025 title, the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) confirmed on Wednesday that it has officially received the request from the Sénégal Federation.
This legal move was widely anticipated. Sénégal is seeking to overturn the CAF ruling and reclaim the trophy they won on the pitch during extra time, thanks to a strike by Pape Gueye. The final was marred by tension when the referee awarded a penalty to Maroc, which was subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz. In a show of disagreement with the officiating, the Sénégal players briefly walked off the field before resuming the match moments later.
The TAS stated in a press release that an arbitration panel will be appointed to handle the case, after which a formal procedural timeline will be established. Currently, no specific date for the hearing has been scheduled.
“The TAS is fully prepared to settle these types of disputes with the support of independent and specialized arbitrators,” noted Matthieu Reeb, Director General of the TAS. He added that the organization recognizes the desire of both supporters and teams for a swift resolution and will ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible while maintaining the right to a fair trial for all involved.
