CAN 2025 final dispute: Senegal and Morocco face new phase at CAS

On March 25, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, challenging the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award the CAN 2025 final to Morocco on a walkover after a chaotic match that Senegal had won 1-0 on the field. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) must submit its defense dossier by May 7.

The long-standing dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has entered a decisive phase. The CAS, which received the appeal from the FSF, has set a deadline of May 7 for the FRMF to file its defense memorandum. This deadline aligns with the standard procedural timeline granted to parties involved in an appeal.

The FSF’s decision to contest both the CAF and the FRMF stems from a ruling it considers unfavorable to Senegal’s interests. Earlier, the CAS confirmed the receipt of the Senegalese federation’s appeal and noted that the claimant has a 20-day window to present its arguments before the opposing parties respond within an equivalent timeframe.

However, the FSF’s request for a temporary suspension has temporarily delayed the proceedings, preventing the establishment of a clear schedule or the scheduling of a hearing at this stage. The core of the dispute revolves around the CAF Appeal Jury’s decision on March 17, which overturned the initial on-field result of the final. On January 18, during the match, Senegalese players briefly left the field in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in the closing minutes.

The legal battle between the two federations will follow a more formal and extended process rather than a straightforward arbitration. Both parties are currently engaged in a written procedure, submitting their respective dossiers. A CAS arbitration panel consisting of three independent arbitrators will be formed: one chosen by Senegal, one by the defense (CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president designated by the CAS.

Following consultations with both federations, the arbitration panel will schedule a hearing where the CAS will hear oral testimonies before commencing deliberations. A final decision is expected to be rendered, though the timeline, despite CAS assurances, could span several months.

While Senegal had initially celebrated victory with a goal from Pape Gueye, the outcome of the match now hinges on the CAS ruling.