Senegalese fans jailed over AFCON final disorder set for appeal hearing

The 18 Senegalese supporters who were sentenced in Morocco over acts of hooliganism and vandalism during the chaotic AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal are expected to appear before an appeal court next Monday.

A court in Rabat previously handed prison sentences ranging from one to three years to the defendants, according to multiple media and official reports.

In a report published earlier today, the French outlet TV5Monde quoted the wife of one of the convicted supporters describing the difficult circumstances her family has faced since the sentencing.

“I don’t know how I’m going to pay for the children’s school fees or even for food,” she said.

The supporters were arrested following disorderly scenes during the AFCON final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18. The group was accused of attempting to invade the pitch, clashing with security personnel and damaging stadium facilities.

The final itself was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco by the referee. The match was temporarily halted amid confusion and tension inside the stadium.

After more than 15 minutes of disruption and uncertainty, the Senegalese players eventually returned to the field and completed the closing minutes of the match.

Following the initial court ruling against the fans, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly criticised the decision by Moroccan authorities.

The case “has gone beyond the realm of sport,” he said, arguing that the situation between the two countries “should never have escalated to this level.”

Sonko described the prison sentences as “regrettable,” despite the documented incidents involving the supporters, which included clashes with security officers, damage to stadium facilities, pitch invasion and the throwing of projectiles during the final.

“For two countries that consider themselves friends like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have escalated to this level,” he said, adding that Dakar would do “everything possible” to secure the release of the 18 nationals.

While hinting at the possibility of a royal pardon being requested for the convicted fans, Sonko also indicated that Senegal could consider activating an existing bilateral agreement between Rabat and Dakar that allows for the transfer of convicted persons between the two countries.