The legal dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final between Senegal and Morocco has reached a new phase at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in Lausanne.

In response to an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) on March 25, the TAS has granted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) an extension until May 7, 2026 to submit its defense brief. This decision marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal battle over the final match’s outcome.

The FSF is challenging the ruling issued by the CAF Appeals Jury on March 17, which declared Senegal the loser by default and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory. The Senegalese federation is seeking to overturn this decision and secure recognition as the legitimate winner of the tournament.

Key events leading to the legal confrontation

• March 17 ruling: The CAF Appeals Jury overturned the initial match result, penalizing Senegal for abandoning the pitch during a protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
• Protest incidents: Senegalese players walked off the field for several minutes in the final moments of the match, believing they had scored a late winner through Pape Gueye, only to face a dramatic reversal in the ruling.
• Morocco’s defense: The FRMF is preparing its legal arguments to uphold the 3-0 victory and defend its title at the TAS.

The May 7 deadline will determine the next steps in this high-stakes legal confrontation, with a potential hearing looming on the horizon.