CAN 2025 final dispute: Senegal-Maroc case advances at TAS
The Senegalese Football Federation escalated the CAN 2025 final dispute by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in Lausanne. This move challenges the African Football Confederation (CAF)‘s decision to award the tournament to Morocco via a forfeiture ruling following a chaotic final where Senegal initially won 1-0 on the pitch. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) now has until May 7 to submit its defense brief.
Legal proceedings enter a structured phase
The CAN 2025 final controversy has progressed to a critical stage. The TAS, acting on Senegal’s appeal, has set a strict deadline for Morocco’s response. The FSF has decided to challenge both the CAF and the FRMF, alleging an unfavorable decision against Senegal’s interests.
According to established procedures, the TAS confirmed receipt of Senegal’s appeal and granted the plaintiff a 20-day window to present arguments. The defending parties will then have an equivalent period to respond. However, Senegal’s request for a suspension has temporarily delayed proceedings, preventing the establishment of a clear timeline or scheduling of hearings.
The core of the dispute: a contested final decision
The heart of the conflict revolves around the CAF‘s Appeals Jury ruling on March 17. This decision overturned the initial match result, validating Morocco’s forfeiture claim. The incident occurred during Senegal’s January 18 victory, when players briefly left the field in protest of a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.
The procedural path now follows a more conventional and lengthy route rather than a swift arbitration. Both parties are currently engaged in a written procedure where each submits its case documentation. The TAS will constitute a three-member arbitration panel comprising one arbitrator chosen by Senegal, one by the defense (comprising both the CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president designated by the TAS.
Following consultations with both federations, the arbitration panel will schedule a hearing where the TAS will listen to oral testimonies before commencing deliberations. A final decision will be rendered, though the timeline may extend over several months despite the TAS‘s commitments to efficiency.
While Senegal had claimed the trophy with a goal from Pape Gueye, the outcome now hinges on the TAS‘s final ruling.
What to expect next in the legal battle
- The FRMF must submit its defense memorandum by May 7 to avoid default.
- The arbitration panel’s composition will reflect balanced representation from both sides.
- Oral hearings will follow the written phase, adding complexity to the timeline.
- A final decision is expected to take months, given the procedural intricacies.
