The legal battle over the controversial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has entered a decisive new phase, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) setting a deadline for Morocco’s response.

CAS has instructed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defence by May 7, 2026, marking the next key step in a case that continues to cast a shadow over the tournament’s conclusion.

The dispute, now under review in Lausanne, stems from the dramatic circumstances that led to Morocco being awarded the title.

The case was triggered after the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed a formal appeal on March 25, 2026, challenging the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to hand Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit.

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That ruling followed an extraordinary moment in the final, when Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco.

CAF’s disciplinary committee subsequently upheld the result, declaring Morocco winners and crowning them champions.

However, Senegal have refused to accept the outcome, insisting that the officiating in the match was deeply flawed and compromised the integrity of the final.

Under CAS procedures, Morocco now has a limited window to present its counterarguments, with its legal team expected to defend CAF’s original ruling.

Their case is likely to centre on the argument that Senegal’s decision to abandon the match left officials with no choice but to enforce a forfeit.

On the other side, Senegal are pushing for a complete review of the final’s outcome, with the possibility of a replay or the annulment of the result among the remedies being sought.

A hearing date is expected to be set soon after, bringing the case closer to a final verdict that could reshape the official outcome of one of Africa’s most contentious football finals in recent memory.

FKA/JE

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