CAS sets May 7 deadline for Morocco in AFCON 2025 final dispute

The legal battle surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has intensified, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport setting May 7 as the deadline for the Morocco national football team to submit its defence in a high-profile dispute involving the Senegal national football team and the Confederation of African Football.

The case stems from an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation challenging a decision by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which on March 17 upheld Senegal’s defeat in the final against Morocco.

At the centre of the controversy is the dramatic AFCON final on January 18, when Senegal players reportedly walked off the pitch for 16 minutes in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, a moment that sparked widespread debate and disciplinary scrutiny.

Senegal are contesting the ruling and seeking a review of the outcome, while CAS has confirmed it will fast-track proceedings to ensure a timely resolution while preserving the right to a fair hearing for all parties involved.

The upcoming May 7 submission deadline is seen as a crucial step in the arbitration process, with global attention now fixed on how the case will be resolved and whether the final outcome of one of Africa’s biggest football tournaments could be affected.