AFCON 2025: Senegal denounces jail sentence for football fans in Morocco

On Tuesday, Senegal’s Prime Minister expressed his dismay regarding a Moroccan court's decision to impose prison sentences on 18 Senegalese football fans who were found guilty of a pitch invasion during an international match last month.

These supporters were apprehended in Morocco following the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, facing accusations of violence against security personnel and causing property damage.

On Thursday, the court issued sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison, along with fines that could reach up to $545.

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko remarked to parliament, "This situation appears to transcend the boundaries of sport, which is unfortunate."

He added, "For two nations that regard each other as friends, such as Morocco and Senegal, this situation should not have escalated to this extent."

Sonko further stated that Morocco’s approach to the case “does not honor” the diplomatic relations between the two nations, asserting that Senegal had taken “all necessary measures” to facilitate their release.

He mentioned that Senegal could, if required, invoke a bilateral agreement that permits the mutual transfer of prisoners.

Senegal triumphed in the CAN final with a score of 1–0 in Rabat, following a tumultuous match where Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch and hurled projectiles.