03/18/2026
Senegal are assessing their legal options after CAF's verdict and could now appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Senegal's Key Arguments Against Article 82 Application and Forfeiture:
No Abandonment;
Senegal did not abandon the match. They briefly left in protest but returned at the referee's direction, and the game resumed and finished normally under the final whistle. Article 82 targets outright refusals or unauthorised departures that stop the match, not resolved, temporary interruptions.
Misapplication of Article 82;
The rule doesn't apply, as the match continued under identical conditions to its full end. The referee authorised the return, and both teams (including Morocco) played on, validating the fixture.
Match and Result Valid;
With referee approval and full completion by both sides, the game and Senegal's on-field victory stand. Retroactively nullifying it undermines sporting integrity.
Disproportionate Overreach;
Overturning a completed final's winner is extreme. The issue was a short delay/protest, not refusal or permanent abandonment. Forfeiture (3-0 to Morocco via Article 84) is excessive when lighter penalties (fines, bans) were initially sufficient.
Mr Majestiq
