The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly criticised the decision of a Moroccan court to sentence 18 Senegalese supporters to prison terms following disturbances at the final of the Africa Cup of Nations held last month in Morocco.
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The supporters were arrested on January 18, 2026, after crowd unrest marred the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
On Thursday, a court in Rabat handed down sentences ranging from three to 12 months in prison, alongside financial fines.
Reacting to the ruling, Bacary Cissé, president of the Senegal FA’s communications committee, expressed disappointment and anger, describing the punishment as excessive.
“We express our profound dismay and distress following the verdict,” Cissé told AFP.
“This incomprehensibly harsh decision has provoked widespread outrage.”
Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in the final, but the match ended in tension.
Some Senegalese supporters reportedly attempted to invade the pitch, while players from Senegal briefly halted the game for nearly 20 minutes in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Objects, including a chair, were also said to have been thrown onto the field.
The accused supporters were charged with “hooliganism,” including allegations of violence against security personnel, damage to sports facilities, pitch invasion and throwing projectiles.
According to the court’s decision, nine fans received one-year jail terms and fines of 5,000 dirhams ($545), six were sentenced to six months in prison with fines of 2,000 dirhams ($218), while three others were given three-month sentences and fined 1,000 dirhams ($109).
Cissé questioned the proportionality of the punishment, arguing that similar incidents in stadiums worldwide rarely attract such severe sanctions.
“Clashes occur in numerous stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, without resulting in such penalties,” he said.
“The treatment of these supporters therefore appears disproportionate.”
Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou also criticised the ruling, describing it as “incomprehensible” and insisting his clients were victims of circumstances surrounding a highly charged final.
Moroccan prosecutors had earlier sought jail terms of up to two years, arguing that the supporters deliberately attempted to disrupt the match.
The verdict, however, has continued to draw criticism from Senegalese football authorities and fans alike, further fuelling tensions in the aftermath of the AFCON final.
