DAKAR, Senegal- Senegal’s Prime Minister has described as “regrettable” the prison sentences handed to 18 Senegalese supporters convicted of hooliganism offences linked to unrest at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
SUMMARY
- 18 Senegal fans jailed for offences linked to AFCON 2025 final unrest in Rabat.
- Sentences range from three months to one year plus fines.
- Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko says the case strains Senegal–Morocco relations.
The supporters were detained after disturbances broke out during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on 18 January.
Unrest erupted in the stands after Morocco were awarded a late penalty deep into stoppage time. A section of Senegal’s fans attempted to invade the pitch, prompting security intervention.
Court Sentences and Charges
Last Thursday, a court in Rabat handed down prison terms ranging from three months to one year, alongside fines of up to 5,000 dirhams ($545; £403).
Moroccan prosecutors had sought maximum sentences of two years, arguing that the defendants had “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match”.
The 18 men denied any wrongdoing. According to BBC Afrique, they have decided not to appeal but are preparing to seek a royal pardon from Mohammed VI.
Sonko: ‘This Goes Beyond Sport’
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko told parliament that the situation had escalated unnecessarily.
“It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable,” Sonko said.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”
He added that Senegal had taken all appropriate diplomatic steps to secure the release of the supporters and could activate a bilateral prisoner transfer agreement if necessary.
Tension After Dramatic Final
The final itself was marked by high drama. Some Senegal players temporarily left the field in protest at the referee’s decision before returning to resume play.
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz had his penalty saved, and Senegal went on to win 1-0 after extra time.
Senegal’s football federation described the court’s ruling as “incomprehensibly harsh,” with communications committee president Bacary Cisse expressing “profound dismay and distress”.
The case now risks overshadowing what had been a fiercely contested final and placing strain on diplomatic relations between the two West African nations.
