The Court of First Instance in Rabat has postponed the trial of several Senegalese supporters and one Algerian fan accused over serious riots during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
The session, originally scheduled this week, was moved to Thursday, 12 February, because of an ongoing lawyers’ union strike that has disrupted court proceedings across the country.
Authorities previously arrested 18 Senegalese fans, along with an Algerian citizen, after violent incidents marred the final. A group of supporters allegedly attacked stadium workers, stormed the pitch and damaged property before security forces intervened to regain control and restore order in the stands and on the field.
In a tense development, the defendants have started a hunger strike, according to their lawyer, who spoke to Agence France-Presse.
The legal team says the fans are protesting being questioned in French and Arabic, languages they do not fully understand, insisting they only speak Wolof, the local language widely used in Senegal.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of Senegal’s historic triumph in the tournament, as they beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to lift the 2025 AFCON trophy.
