CAN 2025 final dispute: FRMF gets may 7 deadline to respond at CAS

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has until May 7 to submit its defense before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final. This deadline marks the initial legal window granted to the federation to present its arguments, following a formal appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In an official statement released on March 25, the CAS confirmed receipt of the FSF’s appeal against the CAF and FRMF. Under standard arbitration procedures, the appellant has a 20-day window to file its legal brief outlining its claims. The responding parties then receive an equivalent period to prepare their counterarguments.

The FSF had previously requested a procedural suspension, which prevented the CAS from establishing a definitive timeline or scheduling a potential hearing at this stage.

FRMF prepares a robust legal response

According to informed sources, the FRMF is assembling a meticulously researched legal dossier, crafted with precision and confidence, expressing strong optimism about the proceedings’ outcome.

Matthieu Reeb, CAS Secretary General, emphasized the tribunal’s capability to handle such disputes: «The CAS is fully equipped with specialized and independent arbitrators to resolve this type of conflict. We understand fans and teams eagerly await a swift resolution. Our priority is to expedite proceedings while ensuring all parties receive a fair and transparent process.»

The FSF has contested the CAF Appeals Jury’s decision—issued on March 17 which upheld Senegal’s forfeited victory in the 2025 CAN final. This ruling followed a FRMF appeal contesting the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.