Morocco court upholds sentences for Senegal football supporters

Morocco’s Rabat Court of Appeal upheld prison sentences for 18 Senegalese football fans over a pitch invasion during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Africanews reported on 14 April, confirming earlier rulings in a case that has drawn criticism.

The court maintained the initial sentences and rejected a request by prosecutors to impose harsher penalties. Nine of the defendants were sentenced to one year in prison, while the remaining nine received prison terms ranging from three to six months. All were also fined between 90 and 460 euros.

The supporters, who have been detained since the final, were charged with hooliganism, violence against police and damage to sports equipment. They denied the accusations during the hearing, arguing they had entered the pitch to escape crowd movements and projectiles thrown in the stands.

Defence lawyers said the prosecution did not present material evidence to support the charges. One lawyer described the ruling as unjustified and criticised the lack of proof.

Senegal’s football federation condemned the decision, calling it a “parody of justice,” according to RFI. The federation said the sanctions were disproportionate and questioned why only Senegalese supporters were prosecuted despite clashes involving both Moroccan and Senegalese fans. It added that it was working with authorities to support those affected.

The incident took place during the AFCON final in Rabat on 18 January, when tensions escalated following a late penalty awarded to Morocco, prompting protests from Senegalese players and supporters. Fans attempted to storm the pitch, throwing objects and clashing with stewards before police intervened.

Earlier court proceedings had convicted 19 people, including a French national, on charges including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence during a sporting event, according to the Associated Press. The case drew scrutiny because it involved only foreign nationals and prosecutors sought maximum penalties.

The ruling confirms the sentences against the Senegalese supporters following one of the most turbulent matches of the tournament, which also prompted officials in both countries to call for calm to preserve relations between the two countries.

The Senegalese Football Association was contacted for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.