Can 2025 final appeal: tas sets deadline for Morocco’s response to Senegal’s challenge

Following an appeal filed by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football on March 25, the Tribunal Arbitral du Sport (TAS) has set a deadline of May 7, 2026, for the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football to submit its statement of defence. This marks a crucial development in the legal contention surrounding the outcome of the CAN 2025 championship match.

To recap, the FSF is challenging the ruling issued on March 17 by the CAF Appeals Jury, which declared Senegal defeated by forfeit and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory. The Senegalese federation seeks to overturn this decision and be officially recognized as the tournament winners.

The CAF’s resolution stemmed from events during the final match, specifically when Senegalese players walked off the pitch for several minutes to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco in the game’s closing moments. Senegal initially believed they had secured victory through a late goal by Pape Gueye, before this legal reversal. Meanwhile, Morocco is reportedly compiling its own legal brief to defend its title before the Lausanne-based court. Consequently, the May 7 deadline represents a pivotal point before further proceedings and a potential hearing.