Rabat, Morocco – The appeal hearing for 18 Senegalese football supporters, sentenced to prison terms ranging from three months to one year following incidents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final, has been postponed until March 30th, according to their legal representation. The proceedings opened Monday in Rabat but were quickly adjourned at the request of the defense to allow for further preparation of legal documents.
The supporters were initially convicted on charges including “hooliganism,” violence against law enforcement, property damage, and throwing projectiles during and after the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco on January 18th. The initial sentencing, handed down on February 19th, saw nine supporters receive one-year prison sentences with fines of 5,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately 460 euros), six sentenced to six months and fines of 2,000 dirhams (around 180 euros), and three receiving three-month sentences with 1,000 dirham fines (roughly 90 euros).
The CAN 2025 final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, saw Senegal emerge victorious with a 1-0 win. Though, the match was marred by controversy and unrest. A penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time, immediately following a disallowed goal for Senegal, sparked tensions. Following the final whistle, Senegalese fans reportedly attempted to invade the pitch and threw objects onto the field, leading to the arrests.
The case has drawn significant attention in Senegal, with concerns raised about the fairness of the proceedings and the severity of the sentences. The supporters’ lawyer, Naïma El Guellaf, told Agence France-Presse that the delay was granted to allow the defense adequate time to prepare their case for appeal.
This isn’t the first legal hurdle in the case. The initial convictions prompted an appeal filed by the Senegalese supporters, seeking a review of the sentences. The postponement to March 30th adds another layer of uncertainty for the accused and their families, who have been awaiting a resolution for over two months.
The incidents at the CAN 2025 final likewise led to disciplinary action from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). At the complete of January, CAF imposed a series of fines totaling hundreds of thousands of euros on both the Moroccan and Senegalese football federations for unsportsmanlike conduct and violations of fair play principles.
Beyond the legal ramifications for the supporters, the events have cast a shadow over Morocco’s hosting of the tournament. Morocco successfully hosted the 35th edition of the CAN from December 21st to January 18th and is also a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal. Maintaining a positive image on the international stage is crucial for the country as it prepares to welcome the world for the World Cup.
The situation also highlights the broader issue of fan behavior and security at major sporting events. Incidents of violence and disorder have plagued football matches across the globe, prompting calls for stricter security measures and more effective sanctions against those involved. The CAN 2025 case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for supporters who engage in disruptive or illegal behavior.
The upcoming hearing on March 30th will be closely watched by legal observers, football fans, and the Senegalese community. The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications for the future of the supporters involved and could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. For now, the 18 Senegalese fans remain incarcerated in Morocco, awaiting their fate.
The case underscores the complexities of international sporting events and the challenges of balancing security concerns with the rights of fans. As the March 30th appeal date approaches, all eyes will be on Rabat for a resolution to this ongoing legal saga.
What’s Next: The appeal hearing is scheduled to resume on March 30th in Rabat, Morocco. Archysport will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
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