The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 championship has taken another dramatic turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has now set May 7, 2026 as the final deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense in response to Senegal’s appeal. This tight timeline intensifies pressure on the Moroccan side and marks a significant milestone in a high-stakes dispute that has gripped the African football community for weeks.
Morocco faces TAS deadline to defend CAN 2025 title
The controversy dates back to the final match held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, which ended in chaos. After a scoreless draw at full-time, a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco prompted the Senegalese team to walk off the pitch for fifteen minutes. They later returned and won in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye. However, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned this result on March 17, declaring Senegal’s forfeit and officially awarding the title to Morocco with a 3-0 score. It is this decision that the Senegalese Football Federation is now challenging before the TAS, demanding the return of the continental trophy.
Legal showdown: what happens next?
The process is now moving forward under standard procedures. Senegal had requested an expedited hearing, which Morocco opposed, pushing both sides into the regular timeline. Following the FRMF’s submission on May 7, the CAF and Senegal will have the opportunity to respond. An in-person hearing at the TAS headquarters in Lausanne appears likely, where key witnesses may be called to testify. Both federations are expected to engage top-tier international sports law firms, turning the dispute into a major diplomatic and legal confrontation.
When will the final verdict be announced?
A standard TAS case typically spans six to twelve months. This means the identity of Africa’s true 2025 champion could remain uncertain until late 2026. One thing is certain: the ruling will be binding and final, with no further appeals possible. If the TAS overturns the CAF’s decision, it would send shockwaves through African football governance and redefine the continent’s sporting legacy.
