The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has until May 7 to submit its formal defense to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final dispute. This deadline marks the initial legal window granted to the FRMF after Senegal’s football governing body, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), filed an appeal against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Procedural timeline and key deadlines
The CAS confirmed on March 25 that it had received the FSF’s appeal, which triggered a 20-day period for the FSF to submit its written arguments outlining the legal basis of its claim. Following this, the FRMF and CAF—now the responding parties—will have an equal 20-day window to file their counterarguments.
However, the FSF has requested a suspension of proceedings, which has prevented the CAS from establishing a clear timeline or setting a date for any potential hearing at this stage.
The FRMF is reportedly preparing a meticulously crafted legal submission, built with thorough analysis and confidence in a favorable outcome. The federation remains steadfast in its belief that the CAS, equipped with specialized and independent arbitrators, can deliver a fair resolution.
«The CAS is fully equipped to handle this type of dispute with the support of expert and impartial arbitrators. We understand that teams and fans are eager for a swift resolution. We will ensure the process is expedited while upholding the right of all parties to a fair trial,» stated Matthieu Reeb, CAS Secretary General.
The Senegalese Football Federation has contested the March 17 ruling by CAF’s Appeals Jury, which upheld Senegal’s 2025 CAN final defeat by default. This decision came in response to an appeal filed by the FRMF regarding the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.
On January 18, the day of the final, Senegalese players walked off the field for 16 minutes under the direction of coach Pape Thiaw. This protest followed the awarding of a penalty to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half.
What’s at stake?
The outcome of this dispute will determine whether Senegal’s original 1-0 victory—secured by Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute goal—remains valid or if the result stands as officially recorded by CAF’s Appeals Jury.
