The countdown begins for Morocco’s legal response in the CAN 2025 final dispute at the TAS

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) faces a critical deadline on 7 May to submit its legal defense to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in the ongoing dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final. This timeline follows the TAS’s confirmation of receiving an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Procedural timeline and key deadlines

According to the TAS’s procedural rules, the appellant—here the FSF—had a 20-day window to file its appeal brief outlining its legal arguments. The opposing parties, including the FRMF, are now granted an equivalent period to prepare and submit their counterarguments. However, the FSF’s request for a procedural suspension has delayed the establishment of a definitive timeline or hearing date.

Morocco prepares a robust legal strategy

Insiders report that the FRMF is assembling a meticulously prepared legal dossier, built with precision and confidence in the strength of its case. The federation’s leadership expresses optimism about the outcome, emphasizing the fairness and thoroughness of the legal process ahead.

«The TAS is fully equipped to handle this dispute, supported by independent and specialized arbitrators. We recognize the eagerness of teams and fans to receive a swift resolution. Our priority is to ensure the process moves forward efficiently while upholding each party’s right to a fair hearing,» stated Matthieu Reeb, TAS Secretary General.

Root of the dispute: a controversial final match

The legal battle stems from the 18 January final between Morocco and Senegal, which saw the latter take an early lead through Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute goal. However, the match was marred by a 16-minute player walkout, ordered by Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, in protest of a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco. The CAF’s Appeals Jury later overturned the result, awarding victory to Morocco on a technicality related to articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.

The FSF has contested this decision, leading to the current appeal process at the TAS. The federation also faces internal divisions regarding bonus distributions, further complicating the situation.

Uncertainty looms over the final decision

With the 7 May deadline fast approaching, the FRMF’s legal team is working against the clock to finalize its defense. While the federation remains confident, the outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, leaving fans and stakeholders eagerly awaiting a resolution.