By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed on Friday, that Senegal’s appeal against being stripped of their African Cup of Nations title will be heard on October 8.
Senegal were judged to have forfeited the final against Morocco by an appeal board of Confederation of African Football (CAF) after they left the pitch in protest at a penalty award deep into stoppage time.
The score was goalless at the time and the subsequent penalty was missed, with Senegal going on to win after extra-time. The CAF appeal board awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco on March 17, with Senegal confirming their intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later that month.
CAF said Senegal infringed on article 82 of AFCON’s regulations, which states if a team refuses to play or leaves the ground before the end of regulation time without the refereee’s authorisation, it will be considered the loser and eliminated from the competition.
Article 84 states any team that violates article 82 will be permanently eliminated and lose the match 3-0.
CAS announced on Friday afternoon that a date had now been set.
A CAS panel will hold the hearing behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS said in a statement.
“After the hearing, the panel will start its deliberations. At this stage, CAS cannot state when a final decision will be rendered but it will not be on the day of the hearing,” CAS added.
The final, which took place on Jan. 18 in Rabat, Morocco, ended with Senegal winning 1-0 in extra time following a chaotic stoppage late in normal time.