A lawyer representing the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has stated that the integrity of world football is being judged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Juan de Dios Crespo PΓ©rez, a sports law specialist, made the comment in relation to Senegal's appeal against a CAF decision to order a replay of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast.
The dispute stems from a match in September 2024, where Senegal defeated Ivory Coast. The Ivorian federation protested the appointment of the referee, leading the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to order a replay. Senegal appealed this decision to CAS.
"It is not only the integrity of African football but the integrity of world football that will be judged before CAS," Crespo PΓ©rez was quoted as saying. The lawyer argued that the principle of finality of a referee's decisions is a cornerstone of the sport's laws.
The CAS hearing is a significant test case for football governance in Africa. A ruling in favor of Senegal could challenge CAF's disciplinary procedures, while a ruling for CAF would reinforce its authority to order replays based on officiating errors.
