Morocco Files CAS Defense in Senegal Appeal Over AFCON 2025 Final

Morocco Files CAS Defense in Senegal Appeal Over AFCON 2025 Final

By Admin 

Reports suggesting that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation failed to meet the legal deadline to respond to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have been dismissed by Moroccan football authorities, who confirmed that the federation has officially filed its defense in the ongoing dispute over the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport stems from an appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation challenging CAF’s decision to uphold Morocco’s AFCON 2025 title following Senegal’s withdrawal from the final against the Atlas Lions.

According to Moroccan outlet Almountakhab, sources within the federation rejected claims that Morocco missed the deadline to submit its legal response. The sources maintained that all procedures and timelines were respected in line with applicable legal regulations.

Federation officials explained that the original submission deadline fell on a weekend, which automatically extended the filing period to the next official working day. Morocco’s legal documents were therefore submitted on Monday, May 11, 2026.

The federation said the submission was intended to strengthen the legitimacy of Morocco’s legal position while countering allegations of procedural irregularities that could influence the CAS proceedings.

The controversy originates from a ruling by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory after Senegal withdrew from the AFCON 2025 final.

The Senegalese team reportedly left the pitch on the instructions of its coach after Morocco was awarded a penalty during the match. Senegal’s players remained off the field for more than 15 minutes before play eventually resumed.

Morocco’s defense is based on CAF regulations stating that any team that withdraws from a match automatically forfeits the game. The federation has also reportedly submitted supporting documents and evidence outlining the circumstances surrounding the final as it seeks to preserve its continental title.