Swiss Lawyer for Senegalese Federation: "CAS Decision Usually Takes 9 to 12 Months"

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) is seeking to expedite the resolution of the Africa Cup of Nations final case by requesting an urgent procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

During a press conference held by the FSF today, Thursday, in the French capital, Paris, Swiss lawyer Serge Fitoz explained: "A case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport usually takes between 9 and 12 months."

However, the Senegalese Football Federation wishes to reduce this timeframe to obtain a swift decision. Fitoz clarified: "The Court of Arbitration for Sport stated in its communiqué that procedures can be expedited. The idea is to request accelerated procedures, but for that to happen, all parties must agree. We believe we won on the field and that the law is on our side. Under these circumstances, things should move quickly."

The lawyer added that the final decision would also depend on the stance of the other parties involved, namely the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF): "It will be up to them to make their arrangements and determine whether they will move quickly or not."

Should an agreement be reached on accelerated procedures, Fitoz stated: "If accelerated procedures are applied, we can expect a decision within two months."

The lawyer also pointed to possible avenues for appeal should the Court of Arbitration for Sport rule against Senegal: "There is always the possibility of appealing before the Swiss Federal Tribunal. This appeal applies under very limited conditions," he explained.