The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding its disputed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco. The match, played on November 19, 2025, was abandoned at 1-1 in the 90th minute after a pitch invasion. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) later awarded Morocco a 2-0 victory, a decision Senegal is contesting.
Sports lawyer Juan de Dios Crespo Pérez, who has extensive experience with CAS, outlined the possible scenarios. CAS could uphold the CAF decision, order a replay of the match, or potentially overturn the result entirely. The core of Senegal's appeal likely centers on the application of competition regulations regarding match abandonment and the responsibility for security.
The timeline for a CAS decision is uncertain but typically takes several months. The outcome is critical for Group E of African World Cup qualifying, where Morocco currently leads and Senegal sits in second place. A replay or overturned result could significantly alter the standings and the path to the 2026 tournament.
This case highlights the recurring issue of stadium security in African football. The appeal process will be closely watched as it sets a precedent for how similar incidents are adjudicated in future qualifiers and tournaments.
