AFCON 2025: Senegalese criticize Morocco’s decision to jail 18 fans

Senegal has strongly condemned Morocco’s decision to imprison supporters arrested during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

On Thursday, a court in Rabat handed prison sentences ranging from three months to one year to 18 Senegalese nationals and one Algerian following disturbances linked to last month’s final. The ruling has triggered outrage across Senegal.

Eleven people were sentenced to one year in prison and handed a $550 fine. Four were sentenced to six months and given a $218 fine. The remaining four were sentenced to three months and a $130 fine.

One defendant fainted upon hearing the sentences. Others refused to rise from the defendants’ bench when ordered to enter the small door leading to the holding cells. Family members, visibly shaken, insisted their relatives were innocent.

The incident stems from crowd trouble during the tournament’s showpiece, where Senegal edged hosts Morocco 1-0 to secure their second continental crown at the 2025 AFCON.

In the wake of the verdict, several Senegalese supporters took to social media to denounce the judgment, branding it excessive and unjust.

One fan described the decision as “an absolute disgrace,” arguing that a competition meant to promote African unity had instead resulted in harsh punishment for visiting supporters. Another suggested the ruling reflected frustration from the defeated hosts, claiming the sentences were an act of retaliation.

Others insisted the conduct in question amounted to passionate support rather than criminal behavior, pointing to similar incidents in European football that, in their view, rarely attract such stiff penalties.

Some supporters even voiced solidarity with those convicted, expressing pride in the group and urging national authorities and football administrators to intervene.

There were repeated appeals to the Senegalese presidency, the Senegalese Football Federation and the Confederation of African Football to step in and seek a resolution aimed at preventing the incarceration of the 18 Senegalese fans.