The ongoing legal saga surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) title has taken a critical turn. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has set May 7, 2026 as the final deadline for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense in the appeal filed by Senegal. This tight timeline intensifies pressure on the FRMF and marks another pivotal chapter in a case that has gripped the African football community for weeks.

Morocco faces CAS deadline to defend 2025 CAN title

The controversy stems from the chaotic 2025 CAN final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18. With the score tied at 0-0 after regulation time, a disputed penalty awarded to Morocco led to Senegal temporarily abandoning the pitch for 15 minutes. Though they returned and won in extra time via a goal from Pape Gueye, the CAF Appeal Jury overturned the result on March 17, declaring Senegal forfeit and awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco. This decision is now at the heart of the legal battle.

Senegal has challenged the verdict before the CAS since March 25, demanding the return of the continental trophy. The appeal process is now advancing through standard legal timelines after Senegal’s request for an expedited ruling was denied by Morocco. Following the submission of Morocco’s defense on May 7, both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Senegal will have the opportunity to respond. An in-person hearing at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne is highly likely, where key witnesses may be called to testify.

Both federations are enlisting top-tier international sports law firms, turning this case into a high-stakes diplomatic and legal confrontation. A final verdict from the CAS is expected to take between six and twelve months, keeping the identity of Africa’s 2025 champion uncertain well into 2026. The decision will be binding and unappealable, making this one of the most consequential rulings in African football governance. Should the CAS overturn the CAF’s decision, it would send shockwaves through the sport’s leadership on the continent.