Morocco’s football federation faces may 7 deadline in CAN 2025 final dispute at CAS

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has until May 7th to present its comprehensive defense before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS). This crucial deadline is the initial legal window provided to the Moroccan football body to submit its arguments in the ongoing dispute surrounding the CAN 2025 final. This follows an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In an official communication released on Wednesday, March 25th, TAS confirmed that it had received the appeal filed by the FSF, targeting both CAF and the FRMF. In line with standard procedural guidelines, the appealing party is allotted a twenty-day period to submit their statement of appeal, detailing their legal rationale. Subsequently, the responding parties are granted an equivalent timeframe to formulate and submit their reply.

However, the FSF had previously requested a suspension of the proceedings. This request has, for now, prevented TAS from establishing a precise calendar or determining a specific date for any potential hearing.

According to well-placed sources, the FRMF is diligently compiling a particularly robust legal dossier. This comprehensive submission is being prepared with precision and a calm confidence, reflecting a strong belief in a favorable outcome for their position in this case.

Matthieu Reeb, the Director General of TAS, had previously affirmed, “TAS is fully equipped to adjudicate this type of dispute, supported by specialized and independent arbitrators. We recognize that both teams and their supporters are eager for a swift final decision. We will ensure that the procedure is conducted as promptly as possible, while always guaranteeing each party’s fundamental right to a fair trial.”

To provide context, the FSF is challenging the decision issued on March 17th by the CAF Appeal Jury. This ruling officially confirmed Senegal’s forfeiture in the CAN 2025 final. The decision was a direct result of an appeal initiated by the FRMF, which centered on the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.

On January 18th, the day the final was played, Senegalese players controversially left the field for a period of sixteen minutes. This action was taken under the instruction of their coach, Pape Thiaw, in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco during the additional time of the second half.

Initially, Senegal had claimed victory with a goal by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute. However, the subsequent decision on March 17th ultimately reversed the official outcome of the match.