Even though CAF’s appeals board is independent, a reversal of its judgment would deliver another blow to the reputation of African football’s governing body, already under fire for its retrospective decision to award Morocco the title.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said in March that they will “adhere to” and “respect” whatever CAS decides. If the ruling favours Senegal, it could force a revision of the Afcon rulebook.
Senegal’s walk‑off has already prompted a change in football’s regulations.
“The referee may sanction with a red card any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision,” Ifab, football’s law‑making body, announced in April.
“This new rule also applies to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play. A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match.”
Thiaw, who lost his job after Senegal’s World Cup exit, and former Morocco coach Walid Regragui, dismissed in March, remain under scrutiny.
Both men would likely regard a CAS victory as a moral triumph regardless of the outcome.
Tensions between the Moroccan and Senegalese federations are expected to linger, whatever the final decision.
The Moroccan FA is furious about Senegal’s conduct, believing the images broadcast worldwide irreparably damaged the kingdom’s image as host of the first Afcon staged there since 1988—a tournament that required substantial time and financial investment.
Meanwhile, the Senegalese FA and government have tapped into a widespread perception across the continent that Morocco wields too much influence in African football.
Other grievances include laser pens aimed at players and ball boys tampering with goalkeeper Mendy’s towel, culminating in the bizarre scene of reserve keeper Yehvann Diouf being tackled by three ball boys when he tried to intervene.
With the next Afcon scheduled for June‑July next year, a high‑profile rematch between Africa’s two top teams is an enticing prospect.
Yet, while the drama of this year’s final has sparked a new rivalry for fans to enjoy, there is unanimous agreement that such encounters should be decided on the pitch—not in a courtroom.