CAN 2025 final dispute between Senegal and Morocco escalates to CAS

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has escalated the CAN 2025 final dispute by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne. This follows the African Football Confederation (CAF)‘s contentious decision to award the tournament to Morocco by default after Senegal’s 1-0 on-field victory. The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) must submit its defense brief by May 7.

Procedural milestones in the legal battle

The CAN 2025 controversy has entered a new phase with CAS setting a strict deadline for Morocco’s response. The FSF’s appeal challenges both the CAF’s decision and the FRMF’s role in the proceedings, marking a significant escalation in the dispute.

According to CAS procedures, the applicant (FSF) has a 20-day window to present its arguments before the opposing parties can respond. However, the FSF’s request for an interim suspension has temporarily paused the process, delaying the establishment of a clear timeline or hearing schedule.

The core of the legal disagreement

The Senegal-Morocco final controversy stems from events on January 18 when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a last-minute penalty awarded to Morocco. While the original match result stood at the time, the CAF Appeals Jury overturned this on March 17, ruling in favor of Morocco by default.

This ruling triggered Senegal’s appeal to CAS, initiating a formal arbitration process that will involve:

• A three-arbitrator panel (one nominated by Senegal, one by Morocco/CAF, and a neutral chair appointed by CAS)
• A written procedure where both sides submit detailed legal arguments
• Potential oral hearings where testimonies will be heard
• A final deliberation and award (though CAS has warned this may take several months)

What’s at stake for both nations

While Senegal initially claimed victory with Pape Gueye’s goal, the tournament’s outcome now hinges on CAS’s decision. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations remains in legal limbo as both football associations await the arbitration body’s ruling.

The dispute highlights the complexities of sports arbitration and the high stakes involved when national pride and continental football prestige are on the line.