The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has until May 7 to submit its defense before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) in the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final.

This timeline follows the TAS’ confirmation of receiving an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against both the FRMF and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Procedural rules grant the FSF 20 days to file its appeal brief, after which the FRMF and CAF will have an equal period to respond.

The FSF has requested a temporary halt to proceedings, preventing the TAS from setting a precise schedule or determining a potential hearing date at this stage.

Insiders reveal that the FRMF is meticulously preparing a robust legal case, built with care and confidence in its prospects of success.

Matthieu Reeb, TAS Secretary General, emphasized the tribunal’s capability to handle such disputes fairly: «The TAS is fully equipped to resolve this matter with the support of specialized and independent arbitrators. We recognize the urgency for teams and fans to receive a final decision and are committed to expediting the process while ensuring all parties receive a fair hearing.»

The FSF contested the CAF Appeals Jury’s decision on March 17, which upheld Senegal’s forfait loss in the final after the FRMF appealed based on Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations.

On January 18—the day of the final—Senegalese players walked off the pitch for 16 minutes at the instruction of manager Pape Thiaw, protesting a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst