Senegalese football fans jailed for AFCON Final violence in Morocco
A court in Morocco’s capital has sentenced 18 Senegalese football supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for their role in violent clashes during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January.
The fans, detained since the January 18 match between Senegal and Morocco, were convicted of hooliganism following disturbances at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Prosecutors presented evidence of attacks on security forces, pitch invasions, and the destruction of sports equipment during the live broadcast final.
The violence erupted at the end of regulation time in what became a 1-0 victory for Senegal after extra time.
Authorities estimate damage to stadium infrastructure at approximately 4.87 million dirhams (over €370,000).
While prosecutors had requested two-year sentences, the court handed down reduced terms ranging from three to twelve months.
The magistrate emphasized that the defendants’ actions, broadcast to millions of viewers, severely disrupted the continental sporting event.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also imposed substantial fines on both national federations for unsportsmanlike conduct during the tournament, separate from the criminal proceedings concluded this week in Rabat.
