The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) says it will decide within days whether Senegal or Morocco should be recognised as the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations after hearing Senegal’s appeal on Thursday.
Senegal originally won the final 1-0 against hosts Morocco after extra time in January in Rabat.
However, the result was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco.
The players returned after 14 minutes, and Morocco missed the penalty.
Senegal then scored in extra time to win the match.
CAF’s Appeal Board later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match because of the walkout and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, making Morocco the tournament champion.
Senegal appealed the decision to CAS on 25th March.
The hearing was held behind closed doors in Lausanne, Switzerland, with lawyers representing Senegal, Morocco and CAF.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb said the court understood the frustration among supporters but would work to deliver a reasoned decision quickly.
“I expect the decision to come not today, not tomorrow, but a few days later,” Reeb said.
He added: “The facts are set, are clear, and the discussions will be on some procedural issues and legal aspects.”
Senegal General Secretary Abdoulaye Sow said the country was confident in its appeal.
“But the important thing is that sports law is upheld, and that this particular match is put to bed, for the sake of dignity and for Africa,” Sow said.
Morocco’s delegation did not speak to the media after the hearing.
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