The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) is facing a May 7 deadline to submit its defense to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the contentious AFCON 2025 final. This marks the initial legal timeframe for the federation to present its case following an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 25, the CAS confirmed it had received the appeal from the FSF against CAF and the FRMF. Standard procedure allows the appealing party a twenty-day window to file its appeal brief, which details its legal arguments. The responding parties are then granted an equal amount of time to submit their reply.

However, the FSF also requested a suspension of the proceedings. Consequently, the CAS has not yet been able to establish a definitive schedule or set a date for a potential hearing.

According to informed sources, the FRMF is meticulously and calmly preparing a robust legal file, expressing strong confidence in the ultimate outcome of the proceedings.

“The CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the support of specialized and independent arbitrators. We are aware that teams and supporters want to know the final decision quickly. We will ensure that the procedure is conducted as swiftly as possible, while guaranteeing respect for each party’s right to a fair trial,” stated Matthieu Reeb, the Director General of the CAS.

The root of the conflict is the FSF’s challenge to a decision made on March 17 by the CAF Appeal Jury, which validated Senegal’s forfeit in the AFCON 2025 final. This ruling came after an appeal by the FRMF concerning the application of articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.

On January 18, the day of the final, the Senegalese players walked off the pitch for sixteen minutes under the instruction of their coach, Pape Thiaw. Their protest was against a penalty awarded to Morocco during the additional time of the second half.

Initially, Senegal had appeared to secure victory with a 94th-minute goal from Pape Gueye, before the March 17 ruling ultimately reversed the outcome of the match.