The legal dispute surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Sénégal and Maroc has taken another turn at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
Following a complaint filed by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) on March 25, the TAS has granted the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) an extension until May 7, 2026 to submit its defense. This milestone extends the ongoing legal tug-of-war over the outcome of the tournament’s decisive match.
The controversy stems from a decision made by the CAF Appeals Jury on March 17, which ruled that Sénégal had forfeited the game and awarded a 3-0 victory to Maroc. The FSF is now seeking to overturn this ruling, insisting that their team should be recognized as the legitimate champion of CAN 2025.
The CAF’s decision followed a chaotic finale where Sénégal players walked off the pitch for several minutes in protest after a controversial penalty was awarded to Maroc. The initial euphoria over a late goal by Pape Gueye quickly faded as legal proceedings reshaped the narrative. Meanwhile, Maroc is reportedly preparing a robust defense to protect its claim to the title. The May 7 deadline will be pivotal in determining the next steps, including the possibility of a hearing before the TAS.
