can 2025: Senegal Morocco final heads to tas for resolution

The Senegalese Football Federation escalated the CAN 2025 final dispute by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne on March 25, challenging the African Football Confederation (CAF)’s decision to award the title to Morocco on a walkover following a chaotic match Senegal had won 1-0 on the pitch. Morocco now has until May 7 to submit its defense dossier.

The CAN 2025 final controversy has entered a decisive phase. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), acting on a complaint lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), has set May 7 as the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to file its defense brief.

This deadline aligns with the standard procedural timeline granted to respondents after a formal appeal is filed. The FSF has taken legal action against both the CAF and the FRMF, contesting a decision perceived as detrimental to Senegal’s interests.

The CAS had earlier confirmed receipt of the appeal submitted by the Senegalese federation. Under established regulations, the appellant party is granted a 20-day window to present its arguments before the opposing side can respond within an equivalent period.

However, the FSF’s request for a suspension temporarily halted progress, delaying the establishment of a clear schedule or the scheduling of a hearing at this stage.

what sparked the dispute?

The heart of the dispute centers on the March 17 ruling by the CAF Appeals Jury, which overturned the original match outcome. On January 18, during the final, Senegalese players briefly left the field in protest after a disputed penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

The case has now shifted to a formal written procedure, far more extensive than a simple arbitration. Both parties are currently submitting their dossiers. A three-member arbitral panel will be formed: one arbitrator nominated by Senegal, one by the defense (comprising the CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president appointed by the CAS.

Following consultations with both federations, the arbitral panel will convene a hearing where the CAS will hear oral testimonies before commencing deliberations. A final decision is expected, though the timeline could extend over several months despite the CAS’s stated urgency.

While Senegal had originally lifted the trophy thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye, the outcome now hinges on the CAS’s ruling.