Morocco Court Jails 19 Senegalese and French Fans Over AFCON 2025 Final Pitch Invasion
A Moroccan court has sentenced 19 football supporters to prison terms of up to one year over their involvement in violent incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.
Judgments and Sentences
The court’s decision, delivered after a hearing lasting more than five hours in Rabat, saw 18 Senegalese nationals and one French citizen convicted of hooliganism, violence at a sporting event, and damage to public property.
- Eleven defendants received one-year prison sentences and fines of approximately USD 550 each.
- Four were sentenced to six months in prison with fines of around USD 218.
- The remaining four received three-month terms and fines of about USD 130.
Lawyers for the defendants described the sentences as harsh and indicated plans to appeal, arguing there were insufficient grounds to convict their clients. Diplomats from Senegal and France were present during the hearing, underscoring the international attention the case has drawn.
The AFCON 2025 Final Incident
The final, held on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was won 1–0 by Senegal after extra time. The match, however, was marred by controversy. A late penalty decision awarded to Morocco sparked protests from Senegal’s players, who briefly walked off the pitch in protest. Furious supporters then clashed with stewards, threw chairs onto the field, and engaged with security personnel, prompting police intervention.
The unrest contributed to an estimated stadium damage bill exceeding USD 476,000, according to prosecutors, and interrupted the orderly conduct of the match.
Aftermath and Broader Impact
The ruling comes amid efforts by regional football authorities to address disciplinary issues stemming from the final. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) previously imposed fines totaling around USD 1 million and match bans on both the Moroccan and Senegalese football federations for various breaches of discipline related to the chaotic finale. Morocco has announced plans to appeal those sanctions, deeming them disproportionate.
Despite the tensions surrounding the match and its aftermath, officials from both Senegal and Morocco have reaffirmed the strength of their diplomatic and economic ties, seeking to prevent sporting developments from straining broader bilateral relations.
