CAS rules in favour of FIF...

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Africa Sports of Abidjan regarding their promotion to Ligue 1. In a decision made public on Thursday, September 19, 2024, the court rejected the Ivorian club’s request. This request, filed on September 18, aimed to obtain provisional and protective measures to challenge the decision of the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF).

Africa Sports had expressed its disagreement with the FIF, which had confirmed on September 14 that the club would remain in Ligue 2 and promoted ISCA to Ligue 1. The club, a cornerstone of Ivorian football, hoped to secure a favorable outcome from the CAS. However, under Article R 37 of the Code of Sports Arbitration, the Deputy President of the CAS Appeals Arbitration Division rejected the club’s request.

This decision is a major setback for Africa Sports, as their preparations for the new season have been significantly disrupted. The signings made in anticipation of the promotion to Ligue 1 now threaten to cause substantial financial losses for the club. The announcement of their continued presence in Ligue 2 also jeopardizes the team’s sporting ambitions, as they had been preparing to compete at the highest level of national football.

Thus, the CAS has upheld the FIF’s decision, leaving Africa Sports facing a season full of uncertainties.