Senegal Football Federation addresses detention of fans in Morocco

Senegalese Football Federation has spoken publicly about the detention of 18 supporters in Morocco, one month after they were arrested on suspicion of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final.

In a statement, the federation said: “the State of Senegal is fully mobilized at the highest level in this matter (…) Under the coordination of the Senegalese ambassador to Morocco, all necessary steps are being taken to meticulously monitor the conditions of detention of our compatriots, guarantee respect for their fundamental rights, and ensure they receive appropriate legal assistance.”

The announcement marks the first official response from the governing body since the incident, which prompted concern among supporters and figures within Senegalese football.

Calls for the detained fans to be returned home have grown steadily in recent weeks, including appeals from international midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

The federation urged supporters to remain calm while diplomatic channels continue to operate.

It added that it remains “confident in the ongoing diplomatic and legal efforts and is convinced that a positive outcome will be reached as soon as possible.”

The case has drawn attention because it followed the tournament’s final, a match already under intense scrutiny after the conclusion of the competition.

The authorities in Senegal say their priority is ensuring the detainees’ rights are respected and that they receive legal representation throughout the process.

Officials also emphasised that the situation is being handled at state level, with coordination between diplomatic representatives and legal teams monitoring developments.

The federation’s message seeks to reassure families and supporters while avoiding escalation as discussions continue.

For now, the supporters remain in detention as negotiations proceed.

The federation’s intervention underlines the seriousness of the issue and signals that efforts are ongoing to secure a resolution through official legal and diplomatic procedures rather than public pressure.