The appeal trial for two former Senegalese sports officials, convicted in connection with the organization of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), has been postponed. The Dakar Court of Appeal has rescheduled the hearing for Monday, April 13, 2026.
The defendants, former Minister of Sports Matar Ba and former president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) Augustin Senghor, were found guilty in a lower court on charges including forgery, use of forgery, and fraud. Their initial sentences, handed down in late 2025, included prison terms and fines.
The case centers on allegations of financial mismanagement and irregularities linked to the preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Senegal was stripped of hosting rights for in 2023. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reassigned the tournament to Morocco.
This postponement allows more time for the defense and prosecution to prepare their final arguments. The outcome of the appeal is being closely watched as a significant test of judicial accountability for sports governance in the region.
