The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) lodged an appeal on March 25 with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in Lausanne. This appeal challenges the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award the CAN 2025 title to Morocco via a technicality, following a tumultuous final match that Senegal had initially won 1-0 on the field. Morocco is mandated to submit its defense brief by May 7.
The contentious issue surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final is now advancing to a critical phase. Following the appeal by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has set May 7 as the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to present its statement of defense.
This deadline adheres to the standard procedural timeframe granted to respondents after an appeal is filed. In this specific case, the FSF has chosen to challenge both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the FRMF, disputing a ruling it deems detrimental to Senegal’s interests.
In an earlier statement, the TAS affirmed its receipt of the appeal submitted by the Senegalese governing body. According to established regulations, the appealing party is given a twenty-day period to submit its arguments, after which the opposing parties are allowed an equivalent duration to respond.
However, a request for suspension put forth by the FSF has temporarily paused the procedural progression, thereby preventing the immediate establishment of a definitive timeline or the scheduling of a hearing at this juncture.
Central to this dispute is the decision issued on March 17 by the CAF Appeals Jury. This body upheld Senegal’s defeat by forfeit, overturning the initial outcome of the final match. On January 18, during the actual game, Senegalese players had controversially left the pitch for several minutes to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco in the dying moments of the contest.
Consequently, the contention between the two federations is set to follow a more conventional, and considerably longer, arbitration process rather than a swift resolution. Currently, both sides are engaged in a written procedure, each submitting their respective documentation. An arbitral panel will be formed by the TAS to adjudicate the dispute. This panel will comprise three independent arbitrators: one selected by Senegal, one by the defense (CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president appointed by the TAS.
Subsequently, following consultations with both Federations, the arbitral panel will schedule a hearing where the TAS will hear oral testimonies before commencing deliberations. A final decision will then be issued. However, despite assurances from the TAS, this entire process could extend over several months.
Although Senegal had initially secured the trophy with a goal from Pape Gueye, the ultimate outcome of the match now hinges entirely on the TAS’s arbitration.
