CAN 2025 final dispute: Senegal and Morocco face TAS hearing
The legal battle surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco has entered a critical phase at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in Lausanne. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) formally appealed the African Football Confederation’s (CAF) controversial decision to award the tournament to Morocco on a technicality following Senegal’s 1-0 victory on the pitch.
The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) now has until May 7 to submit its defense brief to the TAS, marking a procedural milestone in the escalating dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
procedural timeline and key developments
The case took a decisive turn when the FSF contested the CAF’s decision, arguing it unfairly disadvantaged Senegal. The TAS confirmed receipt of the appeal and is adhering to standard arbitration procedures, granting the FSF a 20-day window to present its arguments before the opposing parties respond within an equal timeframe.
However, the FSF’s request for a suspension temporarily delayed the process, preventing the establishment of a clear schedule or hearing date. This legal maneuver has prolonged the uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s final outcome.
The dispute centers on the CAF Appeal Jury’s March 17 ruling, which overturned Senegal’s on-field victory. The original final saw Senegalese players briefly leave the pitch in protest over a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco in the closing minutes of the match.
next steps in the TAS arbitration
A three-member arbitral panel will be formed to adjudicate the case: one arbitrator selected by Senegal, another by the defense (CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president designated by the TAS. Following consultations with both federations, the panel will schedule an oral hearing where testimonies will be presented before deliberations begin.
While the TAS has not specified a timeline, the process is expected to span several months, given the complexity of the dispute and the procedural requirements. The eventual ruling will determine the legitimacy of Senegal’s on-field triumph and the fate of the CAN 2025 trophy.
Senegal’s hopes of retaining the title hinge on the TAS’s final decision, as the legal outcome will either uphold or overturn the CAF’s contentious ruling.
