Delay in Appeal Hearing for Senegalese Fans
The appeal hearing for eighteen Senegalese supporters, who had previously been sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to a year for 'hooliganism' following the chaotic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), was scheduled to take place on Monday but has been postponed. The Rabat Court of Appeal granted a delay at the request of the defense to allow for further preparation of their case files, according to the accused's lawyer, Naïma El Guellaf.
These supporters have been imprisoned since the conclusion of the final match, facing charges that include acts of violence against law enforcement, destruction of sporting equipment, storming the pitch, and throwing projectiles—charges which they deny. In the initial ruling on February 19, nine individuals were sentenced to one year in prison, six received six-month terms, and the final three were given three-month sentences.
Significant Financial Penalties Imposed
During the dramatic final held on January 18, where Senegal triumphed over Morocco with a score of 1-0, tensions escalated after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, shortly after a goal from Senegal was disallowed. This led to a surge of Senegalese supporters attempting to invade the pitch and throwing objects onto the field. The African Football Confederation (CAF) responded to these events by imposing a series of disciplinary sanctions in late January, including fines totaling several hundred thousand euros against the governing bodies of both countries due to unsporting behavior and violations of fair play principles. Morocco hosted the 35th edition of CAN from December 21 to January 18 and is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
As reported by europe1.fr.
