Following an appeal officially filed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) on March 25, the CAS has granted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) until May 7, 2026, to submit its comprehensive defense brief in this matter. This marks a significant new phase in the intense legal standoff concerning the definitive outcome of the CAN 2025 championship match.

As a reminder, the FSF is vehemently challenging the ruling issued on March 17 by the CAF Appeal Jury. That decision had declared Senegal defeated by forfeit and subsequently awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory. The Senegalese federation is now seeking the complete annulment of this verdict and aims to secure recognition as the legitimate winners of the prestigious competition.

The CAF’s controversial decision was a direct consequence of various incidents that unfolded during the final. Notably, Senegalese players had briefly left the pitch for several minutes in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco in the game’s closing stages. Initially, Senegal had believed they clinched victory thanks to a late goal from Pape Gueye, prior to this dramatic legal reversal. Meanwhile, Morocco is reportedly diligently preparing its own extensive documentation to defend its championship title before the Lausanne-based judicial body. The May 7 deadline is thus poised to be a pivotal moment before any further procedural steps and a potential hearing can commence.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter