CAN 2025 final: deadline extension granted to Morocco until may 7 in legal dispute with Senegal

The legal saga surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco has taken another turn at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed an appeal on March 25, prompting the CAS to extend Morocco’s deadline to respond until May 7, 2026.

What’s at stake in this high-stakes legal battle?

This case revolves around the controversial final decision by the CAF Appeals Jury, which ruled on March 17 that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded a 3-0 victory to Morocco. The FSF is now challenging this ruling, seeking to overturn the decision and be declared the legitimate winner of the tournament.

The dispute stems from dramatic events during the final match, where Senegalese players briefly left the pitch in protest after a last-minute penalty was awarded to Morocco. Initially, Senegal celebrated a late goal by Pape Gueye, believing they had won, only for the outcome to be reversed through legal proceedings. Meanwhile, Morocco is preparing its defense to protect its title in the Lausanne-based arbitration.

Key dates and next steps in the legal process

The May 7 deadline is a critical milestone in this unfolding case. Morocco’s football governing body, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, must submit its defense by this date before further proceedings can take place. This extension allows for a thorough review of evidence and arguments before any potential hearing.

The legal battle highlights the complexities of resolving sports disputes at the highest level, where technicalities can overturn even the most dramatic on-field results. As both federations prepare their cases, football fans across Africa and beyond await the final verdict that will determine the true champion of CAN 2025.