Appeal hearing for Senegal fans jailed over AFCON vandalism in Morocco rescheduled to March 30

The Court of Appeal in Rabat has postponed the appeal hearing for 18 supporters from Senegal who were convicted of hooliganism and vandalism during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The court has rescheduled the case to March 30.

The group had earlier received prison sentences ranging from one to three years after being found guilty of taking part in violent disturbances during the tournament’s final between the Morocco national football team and the Senegal national football team in Rabat.

The incidents reportedly erupted after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty during the match, a decision that triggered anger among the Senegalese side. The Senegal team protested the call by temporarily leaving the pitch for more than 15 minutes, disrupting the flow of the game and affecting Morocco’s performance.

Amid the unrest, some supporters attempted to storm the pitch at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, damaging sections of the venue and tearing out seats which were later used to attack security personnel.

Despite the evidence presented during the case, authorities in Senegal have criticised the ruling, arguing that the situation has escalated beyond the scope of a sporting dispute.

Ousmane Sonko, the Prime Minister of Senegal, described the sentences as regrettable and suggested that tensions between the two countries should not have reached such a level. He also expressed hope that the convicted fans could eventually receive a royal pardon.