Senegal vs Morocco: CAN 2025 final appeal moves forward at CAS

Football authorities in Senegal have escalated the dispute over the CAN 2025 final against Morocco by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. The move comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the tournament to Morocco via forfeiture, following a match originally won 1-0 by Senegal on the pitch. The Moroccan side now has until May 7 to submit its defense brief.

The procedural milestone marks a significant shift in the ongoing legal battle. The CAS has set the deadline for the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to file its counterarguments, in line with standard arbitration timelines. This follows the Senegalese Football Federation’s (FSF) decision to challenge both the CAF and FRMF over what they view as an unfavorable ruling affecting Senegal’s interests.

Earlier statements from the CAS confirmed receipt of Senegal’s appeal. Under established regulations, the appellant party is granted a 20-day window to present its case before the opposing parties may respond within an equivalent period. However, a temporary suspension request filed by the FSF has delayed progress, preventing the establishment of a clear schedule or hearing dates at this stage.

The core of the dispute centers on a decision made by the CAF Appeals Jury on March 17. The body upheld Morocco’s victory by default, overturning the initial on-field result. During the January 18 match, Senegalese players briefly left the field in protest after a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

The resolution process will follow a formal written procedure rather than a swift arbitration. A three-member arbitral panel will be assembled: one arbitrator nominated by Senegal, another by the defense (CAF and Morocco), and a neutral president appointed by the CAS. After consulting both federations, the panel will schedule an oral hearing where testimonies will be heard before deliberations begin. A final decision is expected, though the CAS has indicated it may take several months to issue a ruling despite earlier assurances of a quicker process.

The outcome remains uncertain after Senegal had claimed the trophy through a Pape Gueye goal, now pending the CAS verdict.