CAS sets final deadline for Morocco in AFCON 2025 title dispute

Court of Arbitration for Sport has officially notified the Royal Moroccan Football Federation of the final deadline to respond to Senegal’s appeal in the ongoing legal battle over the rightful winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following a dramatic post-tournament decision, CAF stripped Senegal national football team of the AFCON title and officially awarded it to Morocco national football team after ruling Senegal had effectively withdrawn from the final.

According to Moroccan outlet Le360 Sport, CAS has instructed Morocco to submit its legal defense by May 7.

However, the legal process is expected to take between 9 and 12 months, meaning the final resolution over the 2025 AFCON champion may not arrive until 2027.

The controversy began after Senegal players temporarily left the field during the final after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a late penalty to Morocco shortly after Senegal had a goal disallowed.

Despite the protest, Senegal captain Sadio Mané reportedly urged his teammates: ‘Let us return and play like men.’

Senegal returned, completed the match, and secured a dramatic 1-0 victory after 120 minutes at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, initially lifting the trophy before CAF’s later disciplinary ruling reversed the outcome.

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