Morocco sentenced 18 Senegalese soccer fans last Thursday following the uproar at the African Cup of Nations final.
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Published February 25, 2026
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has joined the country’s football association in condemning Morocco’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese fans after the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat in January.
During the final in Morocco’s capital, a Teranga Lions supporter was arrested and the match was controversially suspended as Senegalese players left the pitch in protest at a delay in awarding a penalty to the hosts.
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In response, fans attempted to enter the field during the game on January 19, and 18 people were later arrested on charges of hooliganism and violence against security officials.
Last Thursday, they were sentenced to three months to one year in prison and fines of up to 5,000 dirhams ($545).
“It is unfortunate that this issue seems to go beyond the realm of sport,” Sonko told Senegal’s parliament on Tuesday.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.”
The 18 fans denied wrongdoing, but have not appealed the verdict. However, Senegal plans to ask Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for pardon.
“If they don’t do that, we have agreements in place that can detain us and require our supporters to serve time in their own countries,” Sonko added.
The Senegalese Football Association issued a statement immediately at the time of the ruling, calling it “incomprehensibly harsh.”
Bacary Cissé, chairman of the FSF’s communications committee, said: “Clashes have occurred in many stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, but no such sanctions have been imposed.”
“Therefore, the treatment of these supporters appears disproportionate.”
Patrick Cabu, a lawyer for the 18, said on February 6 that they were still “waiting to learn of the charges.”
He added that some people have chosen to go on hunger strike to protest their detention and treatment.
Following the verdict, Mr Kabou reiterated his feelings of “incomprehensible” and described his client as a “victim”.
After protests from the players, the match was restarted, and in the final, Senegal won 1-0 in extra time and ultimately won the championship.
