Can 2025 title dispute heads to tas with Morocco under deadline

The African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal has taken a dramatic legal turn, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) imposing a critical deadline on the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The sole arbitrator has set May 7, 2026 as the final date for Morocco to submit its defense in the ongoing appeal filed by Senegal, intensifying pressure on the North African nation as the continent’s football community watches closely.

Morocco faces cas deadline to defend 2025 afcon title

The dispute stems from the chaotic final held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, where a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco led to Senegal temporarily abandoning the pitch for 15 minutes. Though Senegal returned and won in extra time via Pape Gueye’s goal, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned the result on March 17, declaring Senegal’s forfeit and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by default. This decision has since become the focal point of Senegal’s appeal to CAS, filed on March 25, as the country seeks to reclaim the continental crown.

With Senegal pushing for an expedited process, Morocco has successfully argued for standard timelines, delaying any resolution. Following Morocco’s submission on May 7, both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Senegal will have the opportunity to respond before a likely oral hearing at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, where key witnesses may be called to testify. Legal teams from both federations—comprising international sports law experts—are preparing for a high-stakes diplomatic and judicial showdown.

The path to a final verdict is lengthy; typical CAS cases span six to twelve months. As a result, the identity of Africa’s 2025 champion may remain unresolved until late 2026. Crucially, any decision will be binding and non-appealable, meaning the outcome could reshape the landscape of African football governance. Should CAS overturn CAF’s ruling, the repercussions would send shockwaves through the sport’s hierarchy.