In a recent development, the appeal court judges in Morocco have decided to uphold the sentences imposed on 18 Senegalese supporters who faced legal consequences due to their actions during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final held in January 2025 in Rabat. This decision comes after the supporters were previously convicted of hooliganism, with varying sentences that included prison time and fines. Specifically, nine individuals received one-year prison sentences along with fines amounting to 5,000 dirhams (approximately €460), while six others were sentenced to six months in prison with fines of 2,000 dirhams (about €180). The final three supporters were handed three-month jail sentences and fines of 1,000 dirhams (€90). Notably, those sentenced to three months could be eligible for release as early as next Saturday.
During the court proceedings, the defendants maintained their innocence, asserting that their actions were a response to the chaotic atmosphere of the match. They claimed that they were either pushed onto the pitch by the crowd or attempting to evade objects being thrown at them, including spit. Furthermore, they refuted allegations that they protested against a controversial refereeing decision made during the second half, which had led to the Senegal team temporarily walking off the field, causing a 15-minute delay in the game.
The AFCON final was a dramatic encounter where Morocco faced off against Nigeria before meeting Senegal in the decisive match. A pivotal moment occurred when Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz missed a penalty that could have secured Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976. Ultimately, Senegal triumphed in the match, winning it in extra time.
Following the conclusion of the final, the Moroccan football federation formally contested the match's outcome with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). In a subsequent decision, the CAF’s disciplinary committee imposed fines and suspensions on several players from both teams, including Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw, but did not alter the result of the match. However, on March 17, the CAF's appeals committee controversially stripped Senegal of their title, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit. This decision was backed by a statement from CAF indicating that Senegal had violated competition regulations.
In response to this decision, Senegal has taken their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking to overturn the CAF's ruling. Meanwhile, the coaching landscape for Morocco has shifted, with coach Walid Regragui stepping down and Mohamed Ouahbi, who previously led Morocco’s under-20 team to World Cup victory, taking the helm as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Senegal, for its part, will be placed in Group I with France, Norway, and Iraq.
As reported by allafrica.com.
