The legal conflict surrounding the CAN 2025 final has entered a critical new stage. Following the appeal lodged by the Sénégal Football Federation (FSF) on March 25, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne has set a deadline of May 7 for the Royal Maroc Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense.
This timeline follows the standard legal procedures after a formal challenge is introduced. The FSF has decided to contest the decisions made by both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the FRMF, after a ruling was issued that stripped Sénégal of its victory on the pitch.
The origins of the dispute
At the heart of this legal battle is the decision rendered on March 17 by the CAF Appeals Jury. That ruling confirmed an administrative defeat for Sénégal, effectively overturning the result of the final match played on January 18. During that game, Sénégal had actually won 1-0, but the match was marred by controversy when the Senegalese players temporarily left the field to protest a late penalty awarded to Maroc.
Although the Sénégal team secured the win on the field through a goal by Pape Gueye, the subsequent administrative ruling changed the outcome. The FSF is now seeking to have that decision annulled through the CAS.
The arbitration process in Lausanne
The case is now following a formal arbitration path, which is expected to be more extensive than a typical summary judgment. Currently, both parties are involved in a written procedure where evidence and arguments are being exchanged. A panel of three independent arbitrators will be established to resolve the conflict:
- One arbitrator chosen by Sénégal.
- One arbitrator selected by the defense (CAF and Maroc).
- A neutral president appointed by the CAS.
After reviewing the written files, the arbitration panel will hold a hearing to listen to oral testimonies before beginning their deliberations. While CAS has promised to move as quickly as possible, a final decision could still take several months. Consequently, the ultimate winner of the CAN 2025 remains uncertain as the legal process unfolds.
