19 Senegal Fans Jailed in Morocco, a Month After Tense AFCON Final – Here’s Why

A court in Rabat has sentenced 19 football fans to prison following the violence that marred last month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

The group, consisting of 18 Senegalese supporters and one French national, faced charges including hooliganism and damaging sporting facilities.

The sentencing followed a hearing that lasted more than five hours. It comes after a month of the defendants being held in custody following the match on 18 January.

The Night Order Broke Down

The trouble began during a tense final between the hosts, Morocco, and Senegal. While Senegal eventually secured a 1-0 victory to claim the title, the match was overshadowed by a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco.

In response to the referee's decision, Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest. In the stands, outraged supporters attempted to storm the field.

Fans threw projectiles, including chairs, and clashed with security stewards. The game was paused for nearly 15 minutes as authorities struggled to restore order.

"The public prosecutor sought maximum penalties, arguing the fans disrupted the orderly conduct of the match."

A Breakdown of the Sentences

According to ESPN, the court was presented with evidence of damage to the stadium estimated at more than $476,719. While the prosecution had initially sought sentences of up to two years, the judge handed down the following terms:

• 11 defendants: One year in prison and a $550 fine.

• 4 defendants: Six months in prison and a $218 fine.

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• 4 defendants: Three months in prison and a $130 fine.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was highly charged. One defendant fainted when the verdict was read, while others refused to leave the bench to enter the holding cells. Family members present at the hearing continued to maintain that their relatives were innocent.

Heavy Fines for Football Federations

The legal action in Rabat is not the only fallout from the final. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also issued significant sporting and financial sanctions.

Diplomatic Damage Control

This case is considered unusual for Morocco, as it involved only foreign nationals. Moroccan rights groups had previously raised concerns about a surge in "hate speech" on social media following the match.

Senior officials from both countries have since stepped in to call for calm. They have reinforced that the diplomatic and economic ties between Senegal and Morocco remain "strong and historic," seeking to prevent the stadium violence from causing a permanent rift.