The legal imbroglio surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco has entered a crucial phase. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has now set a clear deadline: the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has until May 7, 2026 , to submit its defense brief.

A victory awarded on the technicality of the green that doesn't sit well

As a reminder, the conflict originates from a radical decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). After a match interruption caused by a temporary withdrawal of the Senegalese players, the CAF appeals committee awarded a 3-0 forfeit defeat to the Lions of Teranga, thus propelling Morocco to the continental throne.

Feeling wronged by an abusive interpretation of the regulations, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) officially appealed to the CAS on March 25 to contest this verdict.

The stakes of the procedure

The case is being closely followed by the entire African football community, as it could set a precedent for the management of interrupted matches.

1. The Moroccan camp: Under the leadership of Fouzi Lekjaa, the FRMF (Royal Moroccan Football Federation) claims to be calm. Morocco is reportedly preparing a response supported by official reports and video evidence to justify retaining the title.
2. The Senegalese camp: The FSF denounces areas of uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of the match stoppage and hopes to obtain the annulment of the sanction.

A resolution after the 2026 World Cup

Despite the media frenzy, the wheels of sports justice turn slowly. With CAS proceedings typically lasting 9 to 12 months , a final verdict is not expected before the end of summer 2026.

Provisional schedule: Morocco will therefore retain its title of African champion throughout the FIFA World Cup period (June-July 2026).

Only in the aftermath of the global competition will the football world know whether the Atlas Lions will definitively retain their star or whether the record of the 2025 AFCON needs to be rewritten.