ENTERTAINMENT
Senegalese Football Federation condemns Morocco prison sentences for AFCON final fans
The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly condemned a Moroccan court ruling that sentenced 18 Senegalese football fans to prison terms and fines following unrest at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
Michael Oduor
RABAT, Morocco (Running Africa) — In a statement issued after the February 19 verdict, the federation described the sentences as "disproportionate" and expressed "deep concern" over what it called the excessive punishment of Senegalese supporters.
"We express our deep consternation and dismay following the verdict against the 18 Senegalese supporters. This decision, of incomprehensible severity, has provoked strong indignation," said Bacary Cissé, head of communications for the federation.
Prison Sentences and Fines Following AFCON Final
Image: Aljazeera
The supporters were arrested during clashes that erupted at the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. Moroccan prosecutors charged the group with hooliganism, destruction of property, and indecent behavior.
According to court documents, 11 fans were sentenced to one year in prison and fined approximately $550 each. Four received six-month sentences and fines of around $218, while the remaining three were handed three-month terms and fines of roughly $130.
The public prosecutor had sought the maximum penalty, arguing that the accused disrupted public order and caused significant property damage. Authorities estimated damages at nearly $476,729.
Growing Diplomatic Tensions
Image: France 24
The Senegalese Football Federation further criticized what it called a "blatant form of injustice" against its nationals, noting that stadium clashes worldwide — including in Morocco — have not resulted in comparable sanctions.
The controversy surrounding the sentencing of Senegalese fans has added diplomatic strain between Dakar and Rabat, coming in the aftermath of a chaotic AFCON final that had already drawn widespread media attention across Africa.
As the case continues to generate regional headlines, analysts say it underscores the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and national pride — particularly when incidents at continental tournaments escalate into international legal disputes.