Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title is scheduled to be heard on October 8 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The appeal follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) ruling that Senegal forfeited the final against Morocco, held on January 18.

The controversy arose late in stoppage time of the match, which was goalless before the disputed penalty award. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch in protest following the penalty decision. Despite the penalty being missed by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, Senegal won the match 1-0 after extra time. However, in March, a CAF appeal board overturned the result, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco and stripping Senegal of the title.

Senegal promptly announced their intention to appeal the decision to CAS, which has now set the hearing date for October. The arbitration hearing will be conducted behind closed doors, and CAS has indicated that it will not deliver a verdict on the day of the session.

The outcome of this appeal remains uncertain as both sides await the process. Meanwhile, Senegal has made coaching changes following the incident: Pape Thiaw was dismissed from his coaching role approximately two weeks ago. Former France and Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was born in Senegal, is reported to be in discussions to take over as the national team’s coach.

As the legal proceedings advance, the African football community and fans await CAS’s ruling, which could either confirm the decision to award the title to Morocco or reinstate Senegal as the 2026 AFCON champions.