Appeal filed in Morocco raises risk of harsher sentences for Senegalese supporters

The Moroccan Public Prosecutor’s Office has filed an appeal against 18 Senegalese supporters convicted of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final, surprising the defense and raising concerns about potentially harsher sentences. The hearing is scheduled for 16 March 2026.

On 19 February 2026, the Rabat Court of First Instance sentenced nine of the supporters to one-year prison terms, six to six months, and three to three months, all accompanied by fines.

The defense, led by attorney Patrick Kabou, believed the case was closed, citing the ten-day window to appeal under the Moroccan Code of Criminal Procedure, which they calculated had expired on 5 March 2026.

“The situation is very confusing,” Mr. Kabou said, describing how he was informed of the appeal by the court clerk, who had previously assured him that a certificate of no appeal would be issued.

The admissibility of the appeal will be central at the 16 March hearing, with the appellate court required to determine whether the filing was within legal time limits.

The defense has indicated it may challenge the appeal, which, if dismissed, could end the case.

However, if the appeal is deemed admissible, the risk of harsher sentences remains. During the initial trial, the prosecution had requested longer terms, suggesting that the current sentences are viewed as insufficient.

The Court of Appeal has the authority to uphold, reduce, or increase the original punishments.

The case has also attracted diplomatic attention. Following the February verdicts, Senegalese President Macky Sall requested a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI, while Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko discussed the possibility of repatriating the detainees to serve their sentences in Senegal.

Observers note that the appeal could signal either punitive intent or a legal pathway to a more favorable resolution, potentially avoiding a public royal pardon.

A lenient appellate decision could secure releases or sentence reductions without involving the Moroccan monarch directly, balancing judicial authority with diplomatic considerations.

Families of the detained supporters, along with Senegalese fan groups such as ASC Lebougui, continue to follow developments closely, urging Senegalese authorities to intervene.

The March hearing is now seen as decisive in determining both the legal outcome and the potential diplomatic resolution of the case.