South Africa offers legal support to Senegal in CAF appeal

South Africa has offered to assist Senegal in its planned appeal against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The move comes after Senegal confirmed its intention to challenge a decision by CAF’s Appeals Board, which stripped the country of the 2025 African Championship title and awarded it to Morocco.

In response, South Africa has gone beyond expressions of solidarity, signalling its willingness to provide practical support.

Speaking during an interview on SABC News’ “Morning Live”, South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said his country was ready to mobilise legal expertise to support Senegal’s case.

“Let’s not beat around the bush. Senegal is the African champion, because football matches aren’t won in boardrooms. We will support Senegal and provide them with our assistance; we have excellent lawyers in that country who will know how to help them.”

His comments underline South Africa’s position in the dispute, with the government indicating it is prepared to contribute resources as Senegal seeks to overturn the ruling at CAS.

McKenzie also used the opportunity to address broader issues within African football governance, while reiterating his country’s ambition to host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament, which has been rescheduled to take place from 25 July to 17 August, had previously been set for an earlier window.

In his remarks, he criticised the handling of the competition’s organisation and directed strong comments towards Morocco, which had indicated difficulties in staging the tournament on the original dates.

“Regarding the Women’s AFCON, let’s be honest: why are women being treated this way? This would never happen in men’s football, so why don’t women know what’s going on a month before the tournament starts? We will not be held hostage by Morocco. South Africa has much more to offer than Morocco: we are a larger country, with a bigger economy and larger stadiums. So I say we are ready to host the Women’s AFCON.”

The developments add another layer to an already complex dispute, as Senegal prepares to take its case to CAS with backing from one of the continent’s leading nations.

South Africa is ready to assist Senegal in reclaiming its Africa Cup of Nations title and to provide legal support, as confirmed by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

✍️ SABC Sport’s @Velile_Mnyandu #SABCSportFootball https://t.co/bzAGq8Utdx

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) March 20, 2026