The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has reaffirmed its support for 18 of its fans who remain in detention in Morocco, nearly a month after the dramatic conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
Senegal secured its second AFCON title in January, defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 in a match that was both thrilling and tense.
The final stages of the game, however, were marred by riots involving Senegalese supporters, leading to the arrest of 18 fans.
In a statement released Tuesday, the FSF said it is “closely monitoring the situation of the eighteen Senegalese fans currently detained in the Kingdom of Morocco.”
It emphasized that the Senegalese government is actively engaged at the highest levels with Moroccan authorities to guarantee “appropriate detention conditions and respect for the rights of the fans concerned.”
Reports indicate that the detained fans began an intermittent hunger strike in early February to protest the conditions under which they were being interrogated.
The federation expressed confidence in ongoing diplomatic and legal efforts, stating its belief that “a positive resolution will be reached as soon as possible” and calling for “calm, solidarity, and trust in the measures being undertaken.”
Communiqué FSF : Situation des 18 supporters sénégalais actuellement détenus au Royaume du Maroc 👇 pic.twitter.com/68B1ceoRQn
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) February 17, 2026
Support has also poured in from Senegal’s football community. Olympique Lyonnais defender Moussa Niakhaté shared the FSF’s statement on Instagram with the caption: “Freedom for our fans.”
Meanwhile, former national team midfielder Pape Sarr wrote on X: “Thirty days of detention for fans whose only crime was passionately supporting their national team. We strongly condemn this injustice and demand their release. Full support for our citizens.”
