The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 title has taken a fresh turn, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) imposing a critical deadline on the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). The sole arbitrator has set May 7, 2026 as the final date for Morocco to submit its defense brief in response to Senegal’s appeal. This looming deadline ratchets up pressure on the FRMF and signals another pivotal chapter in a high-stakes dispute that has gripped African football for weeks.
Morocco given until may 2026 to defend CAN 2025 title before tas
The controversy stems from the CAN 2025 final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, which ended in tumult. After a scoreless draw at full-time, a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco prompted the Senegalese players to walk off the pitch for fifteen minutes. They later returned and claimed victory in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye. However, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned this result on March 17, declaring Senegal forfeit and awarding Morocco a 3-0 win.
Senegal, dissatisfied with the ruling, has since appealed to the TAS, demanding the restoration of their continental crown. The case, filed on March 25, has now entered a procedural phase where strict timelines apply. Morocco’s refusal of Senegal’s request for an expedited process means both sides must adhere to the standard schedule. Following the FRMF’s defense submission on May 7, 2026, the CAF and Senegal will have the opportunity to file counterarguments.
A face-to-face hearing at the TAS headquarters in Lausanne appears likely, where key witnesses could be called to testify. Both federations are expected to retain top-tier international sports law firms, elevating this dispute into a high-profile diplomatic and legal confrontation. The final verdict’s suspense will persist, as a typical TAS case can span six to twelve months. This means the true African champion of 2025 may remain undetermined until late 2026.
Regardless of the outcome, the decision will be binding and non-appealable, reshaping the landscape of African football governance. A reversal of the CAF’s decision by the TAS would send shockwaves through the sport’s administration on the continent.
