Morocco-Senegal title dispute goes before the TAS

The dispute over the African title between Morocco and Senegal is being heard by the TAS. In Lausanne, the tribunal’s director general, Mathieu Reeb, confirmed that the hearing had opened as scheduled, with representatives of the Moroccan and Senegalese federations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the parties’ lawyers present.

Three possible outcomes are outlined. The first would be to dismiss Senegal’s appeal and uphold the CAF decision: Senegal would then be considered to have forfeited, while Morocco would retain a 3-0 victory. Under that scenario, the arbitral tribunal would find nothing in the arguments and evidence presented to justify overturning the challenged decision.

Another possibility would be to accept the appeal and overturn the CAF decision, granting the federation’s request to be declared tournament champions. That is the outcome Senegal is seeking in its appeal, which was registered with the tribunal on March 25.

Reeb also explained that the schedule for the oral arguments had been agreed between the lawyers. The hearing is therefore proceeding according to a timetable settled by the parties.