The CAN 2025 final dispute between Morocco and Senegal has entered a critical phase, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) imposing a strict deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense.
The international tribunal has set May 7, 2026 as the final date for the FRMF to file its formal response. This comes after the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) appealed the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) decision awarding Morocco the title by default (3-0) in March 2025.
The Moroccan federation, led by president Fouzi Lekjaa, has expressed confidence in its case, citing official reports, referee footage, and documented evidence as key supporting elements. However, the legal battle remains far from resolved, with the TAS opting for a standard procedural timeline rather than an expedited resolution.
What’s next in the can 2025 title dispute?
The TAS has established a clear timeline for the case, rejecting Senegal’s request for an accelerated process. Both Morocco and the CAF preferred the standard approach to ensure thorough preparation of their legal arguments. Under normal circumstances, the TAS typically takes 9 to 12 months to deliver a final ruling, meaning a decision is unlikely before late 2026.
While Senegal had hoped for a verdict before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the tribunal’s decision means the outcome remains uncertain for now. The FRMF must now compile its defense by the May deadline, while the FSF awaits the submission before preparing its rebuttal.
Key takeaways:
- The TAS has set May 7, 2026 as the deadline for Morocco’s defense submission.
- Senegal’s appeal challenges Morocco’s 3-0 victory by default in the CAN 2025 final.
- The tribunal rejected requests for an expedited process, delaying a final decision until late 2026.
- Morocco’s case relies on official reports, referee evidence, and video footage.