Senegal vs Morocco can 2025 final: cas case moves forward

The legal battle for the CAN 2025 trophy continues

The dispute surrounding the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) is gaining momentum. Following the appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set May 7 as the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to present its defense.

A contest against CAF’s administrative decision

This timeline follows the standard legal procedure after a formal challenge is filed. The FSF is challenging both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the FRMF after a ruling that stripped Sénégal of its victory. While the Sénégal team initially won the match 1-0 on the pitch, an administrative decision later awarded the win to Maroc.

The CAS previously acknowledged receipt of the Senegalese appeal. Under current regulations, the appellant has twenty days to submit their arguments, followed by an equal period for the opposing parties to respond. However, a request for suspension by the FSF has slightly altered the initial timeline, delaying the final hearing schedule.

Origins of the Senegal-Morocco dispute

The conflict stems from a March 17 ruling by the CAF Appeals Jury, which confirmed a forfeit defeat for Sénégal. This overturned the actual match result from January 18, where Senegalese players had briefly walked off the field to protest a penalty awarded to Maroc in the closing minutes of the game.

The case will now follow a standard arbitration path, which is significantly more complex than a simple summary judgment. Currently, both sides are engaged in a written phase, submitting evidence and documentation. A panel of three independent arbitrators will be appointed: one chosen by Sénégal, one by the defense (CAF and Maroc), and a neutral president appointed by the CAS.

Once the panel is finalized and both federations are consulted, an oral hearing will be scheduled for testimonies. Although the Sénégal squad celebrated their win thanks to a goal by Pape Gueye, the final ownership of the CAN 2025 title remains uncertain until the CAS delivers its final verdict, which could take several months.