Sidama Coffee appeals Ethiopian Cup ruling to CAS

Ethiopian Premier League side Sidama Coffee confirmed that they have taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The club was deprived of their Ethiopian Cup title by the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) for fielding ineligible players.

The EFF ruled that Sidama Coffee fielded ineligible players in the 2025 Ethiopian Cup final against Wolayta Dicha at the Addis Ababa Stadium. The ruling declared Wolayta Dicha the winners, as they are now preparing to take part in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup. Sidama Coffee had won the match 2-1, but the result was nullified.

Sidama Coffee hosted a major title celebration parade in Hawassa, but a few days later their title was revoked. The club stated that they have opened a case against the EFF at CAS over the ruling. In an official statement, the club described the ruling as unjust.

Sidama Coffee fans have been protesting the decision for the last few weeks, with the Confederation Cup campaign fast approaching. So far, Pan Africa Football could not confirm whether CAS has accepted Sidama Coffee’s complaint. EFF president Esayas Jira previously stated that any club opposing the recent ruling may take their case to international arbitration bodies.