Final of CAN 2025: cas postpones Morocco’s response until may 7

The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco has taken another turn at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which filed an appeal on March 25, has been granted an extended deadline. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) now has until May 7, 2026 to submit its defense brief. This extension marks a critical phase in the ongoing dispute over the outcome of the final match.

Legal battle over the 2025 africa cup of nations final

The controversy stems from the CAF Appeals Jury’s decision on March 17, which ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco. The FSF is challenging this ruling, demanding the annulment of the verdict and official recognition as the legitimate winner of the tournament.

The CAF’s decision followed protests by Senegalese players who left the pitch for several minutes during the final, objecting to a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Initially, Senegal believed they had secured the title with a late goal by Pape Gueye, but the situation was overturned on legal grounds. Meanwhile, Morocco is reportedly preparing a robust defense to protect its claim to the championship as the case progresses toward a potential hearing.

The May 7 deadline will be pivotal in determining the next steps in this high-stakes legal confrontation.