Omna Taddele
March 19, 2026Senegal federation mobilizes legal team for CAS case against CAF
Senegal federation mobilizes legal team for CAS case against CAF
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has mobilized well-known legal counselors for its case against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The unprecedented decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco has caused major controversy in the world of football. The FSF, backed by the government of Senegal, has denounced the controversial decision and vowed to fight back as it assembles legal experts.
The CAF Disciplinary Committee cited the decision of Senegal’s players to walk off the pitch during the 2025 AFCON final as justification to award the title to Morocco after the former had won the match 1-0 after extra time back in January 2026. The FSF, as expected, is preparing to commence a legal battle with CAF at CAS.
According to Wiwsport, the legal team will be headed by the famous Senegalese lawyer Seydou Diagne. The FSF has appointed Diagne to lead the legal strategy. Diagne is well known for representing former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade’s son, Karim, when he was convicted of illicit enrichment.
The legal team includes Aly Fall, president of the Senegalese Bar Association, and Moussa Sarr, a well-known lawyer in Senegalese sports circles. Sarr notably distinguished himself in the past by winning a case before CAS in the dispute between local club ASC Ouakam and the Senegalese League.
The team will be assisted by three foreign legal counselors, including Swiss lawyer Serge Vittoz. Vittoz is well known for his work during the 2017 CAS case in which the 2018 FIFA World Cup African qualifier game between Senegal and South Africa was replayed after match official Joseph Lamptey manipulated the tie.
The FSF is expected to present a strong case against CAF to defend its title. So far, the decision to strip Senegal has created significant controversy and has backfired on CAF, with many criticizing the organization.