Senegal and Morocco are expected to receive a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport within days as the legal dispute over the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final reaches its final stage. The case centers on a dramatic match in Rabat that ended with Senegal winning 1-0 after extra time, before the result was later overturned and awarded to Morocco by the Confederation of African Football.

The controversy began deep into stoppage time when Senegal's players temporarily left the field after a penalty was awarded to Morocco. The referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala of Congo, allowed the match to continue after the Senegalese team returned, and Morocco missed the resulting penalty. Senegal then scored during extra time through Pape Gueye to secure what appeared to be the championship. However, CAF's appeal panel later ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match because of the temporary walk-off.

Senegal has challenged that decision at CAS, with the authority of the referee expected to be a central issue in the case. Football's laws generally give referees final authority over decisions connected with play and the result of a match, while AFCON regulations provide separate provisions concerning teams that leave the field without permission. The clash between those rules could prove decisive as the three-member panel considers the appeal.

The dispute has continued for months and has contributed to significant tension between the two football federations. CAF previously imposed more than $1 million in combined fines involving the federations, players and Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. Senegal's government has also backed efforts to pursue further legal action and called for an investigation into alleged corruption within African football, while Morocco has faced scrutiny over perceptions of its influence within regional and global football structures.

CAS is now expected to deliver its ruling shortly, potentially settling one of the most contentious African football disputes in recent years before the next AFCON begins in June. The outcome will determine whether Morocco retains the title awarded by CAF or Senegal regains the trophy its players won on the pitch. Beyond the championship itself, the verdict could also establish an important precedent for how football authorities handle walk-offs, referee decisions and disputed match outcomes in future tournaments.