The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has moved to reassure stakeholders of a fair and expedited process following Senegal’s decision to challenge the stripping of their Africa Cup of Nations title.

Senegal’s football authorities, through the Senegalese Football Federation, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, formally lodged an appeal against the ruling by the Confederation of African Football, seeking to overturn the decision and be reinstated as champions.

Reacting to the development, CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb emphasized the institution’s readiness to handle the high-profile dispute with professionalism and urgency.

“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators,” Reeb stated.

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He acknowledged the intense interest surrounding the case, particularly among fans and participating nations, and assured that proceedings would not be unnecessarily delayed.

“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,” he added.

CAS also indicated that the next stage of the process will involve the appointment of an arbitral panel, which will oversee the case and establish a procedural timeline for submissions and hearings.

In the meantime, the FSF has requested a suspension of the deadline to file its full appeal brief, pending the release of CAF’s detailed grounds for its decision.

The outcome of the case is expected to be closely watched, as it could set a significant precedent for dispute resolution in African football.

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