The legal saga surrounding the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 has taken a dramatic turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) has set May 7, 2026 as the deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense brief in response to the appeal filed by Senegal. This tight timeline intensifies the pressure on Morocco and pushes the proceedings into a new phase, keeping football fans across Africa on the edge of their seats.
Morocco faces TAS deadline to defend its 2025 CAN title
The controversy stems from the chaotic final held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, where the match ended goalless after 90 minutes. A disputed penalty awarded to Morocco sparked outrage, leading the Senegalese players to walk off the pitch for 15 minutes. Though they returned and eventually won in extra time following a goal by Pape Gueye, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned the result on March 17. They ruled Senegal forfeited and declared Morocco the 3-0 winners by default. It is this decision that Senegal is now challenging at the TAS, demanding the return of the continental trophy.
The legal battle has entered a critical phase. Senegal had sought an expedited procedure, but Morocco opposed it, forcing both sides to adhere to standard timelines. Once Morocco submits its defense brief by May 7, Senegal and the CAF will have the opportunity to file counterarguments. An in-person hearing at the TAS headquarters in Lausanne is highly likely, where key witnesses may be called to testify. Both federations are expected to deploy top international sports law firms, turning the case into a high-stakes legal and diplomatic confrontation.
Fans hoping for a swift resolution may need to exercise patience. A typical TAS case can take anywhere from six to twelve months to conclude. As a result, the identity of Africa’s true 2025 champions may remain uncertain well into late 2026. One thing is certain: the final verdict will be binding and legally irreversible, with no room for further appeal. Should the TAS overturn the CAF’s decision, it would send shockwaves through the governance of African football.