Senegal officially launch appeal against Africa Cup of Nations title stripping as CAS promise ‘swift decision’ after Morocco were declared champions 58 DAYS after losing controversial final

Senegal have lodged an official appeal against their Africa Cup of Nations disqualification that saw final opponents Morocco handed the trophy.

The Confederation of African Football appeal board took the unprecedented action last week after Senegal’s players walked off the field in protest following a decision to hand their hosts a penalty in the decider on January 18.

Amid tumultuous scenes, the penalty was subsequently missed when Senegal returned to the field and they went on to win 1-0. In an unprecedented ruling 58 days later, Morocco have now been handed the game 3-0 after an appeal, and the title with it. 

A spokesperson for CAF said their appeal board decided that ‘the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final’. 

They added that an appeal from Morocco was ‘admissible and upheld’ after Senegal’s behaviour ‘infringed Article 82’ of its regulations.

Now, though, Senegal have lodged an appeal of their own, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) saying it will decide on the appeal ‘as swiftly as possible.’

Players from Senegal and Morocco clashed after a penalty award before eventual champions Senegal left the field

Cas director general Matthieu Reeb added: ‘We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.’ 

In the 98th minute of the game in Rabat at the start of the year, Senegal’s players made their exit in protest at an earlier goal and the awarding of the later penalty. They were off for around 17 minutes as chaos unfolded with Senegal fans attempting to invade the pitch. 

Senegal eventually returned after being persuaded by former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane to come back on.

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz took the penalty which was saved by former Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy and the game went into extra-time – where Senegal triumphed thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye to give them what they thought was their second AFCON title in five years.

However, Morocco appealed and in a stunning decision CAF have taken the extraordinary step.

A fine for Morocco’s Ismael Saibari was dismissed, and he also had a suspension reduced. An appeal against a fine for the behaviour of ballboys was partially upheld, with the amount being reduced.

Morocco’s appeal against interference in the VAR area was dismissed with a £75,000 fine confirmed.

Raymond Hack, the former head of Caf’s disciplinary panel, previously told the BBC that the process could take another six months to finalise.