Senegal fans jailed in Morocco to appeal as extradition debate grows

Eighteen Senegalese supporters sentenced in Morocco after disturbances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final are preparing to appeal, as debate grows in Dakar over whether extradition is possible.

The fans were convicted on Thursday by a court of first instance in Rabat following incidents during the final at the Stade Mohammed V, where Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0.

The rulings have prompted strong reactions in Senegal, with some questioning the severity of the penalties and urging government intervention.

According to the Moroccan court, nine supporters received one-year prison terms and fines of 325,000 CFA francs.

Six others were sentenced to six months in prison and fined 125,000 CFA francs, while the remaining three were given three-month sentences and fines of 75,000 CFA francs.

The charges included violence against law enforcement officers, damage to sports facilities, throwing projectiles and attempting to invade the pitch.

The incidents occurred after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco in a tense closing stage of the match.

In Senegal, the verdict has been described by some observers and families as an “injustice”.

Defence lawyers have lodged an appeal, arguing that the evidence was insufficient and that the proceedings were conducted too quickly.

The supporters remain detained in Morocco while the appeal process begins.

Amid public discussion, some have raised the possibility of extradition.

However, legal experts suggest that such a move would be complex and unlikely.

Extradition typically applies before trial or in cases involving serious crimes, rather than offences committed and judged within the territory where they occurred.

“Extradition generally applies before a trial or for serious crimes such as terrorism or corruption, not for short sentences related to sporting disturbances,” explained an international law expert consulted for this article.

No official statement from the Senegalese government has confirmed any request for extradition. Instead, attention appears to be turning towards diplomatic channels.

The Senegalese Football Federation said that “the State of Senegal is fully mobilized at the highest level” to engage with Moroccan authorities and ensure humane detention conditions.

Other options being discussed include bilateral negotiations or a possible royal pardon from Mohammed VI.

Another avenue could involve transferring the sentences so that any remaining prison time is served in Senegal, in line with international agreements on the transfer of sentenced persons.

“Senegal and Morocco have historically fraternal relations, strengthened by strong economic and cultural ties. A diplomatic solution seems more likely than a legal confrontation,” said a political analyst based in Dakar.

For now, the appeal process is the immediate focus.

If the sentences are upheld, diplomatic efforts may intensify.

A formal extradition request, however, appears improbable, given the legal framework and the potential strain on bilateral relations.