Morocco sentenced 18 Senegalese soccer followers final Thursday following disturbances on the Africa Cup of Nations remaining.
Printed On 25 Feb 2026
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has adopted his nation’s soccer affiliation in denouncing Morocco’s jailing of 18 Senegalese followers following January’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remaining in Rabat.
The Teranga Lions supporters have been arrested throughout the ultimate within the Moroccan capital, which was controversially suspended because the Senegal gamers left the pitch in protest towards the late award of a penalty to the host nation.
Advisable Tales
listing of 4 objectsfinish of listing
Followers, in response, tried to enter the sector of play in the course of the match on January 19, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals who have been later charged with hooliganism and violence towards safety officers.
Jail sentences have been handed out final Thursday to them, starting from three months to 1 12 months, together with fines of as much as 5,000 dirhams ($545).
“It appears this matter goes past the realm of sport and that’s regrettable,” Sonko instructed the Senegalese parliament on Tuesday.
“For 2 nations that decision one another associates, like Morocco and Senegal, issues shouldn’t have gone this far.”
The 18 followers have denied any wrongdoing however haven’t appealed the sentence. Senegal, nevertheless, will search a royal pardon from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.
“If they don’t, now we have agreements that bind us and permit us to request that the supporters serve their sentences in their very own nation,” Sonko added.
The Senegal Soccer Affiliation had instantly spoken out on the time of the sentences, describing them as “incomprehensibly harsh”.
“Clashes happen in quite a few stadiums around the globe, together with each weekend in Morocco, with out leading to such sanctions,” Bacary Cisse, the president of the FSF’s communications committee, mentioned.
“The therapy of those supporters subsequently seems disproportionate.”
Defence lawyer for the 18, Patrick Kabou, had mentioned on February 6 that they have been nonetheless “ready to be taught the fees”.
He added that some had chosen to go on starvation strike towards their detention and therapy.
In response to the sentencing, Kabou echoed the “incomprehensible” sentiment, saying his purchasers have been “victims”.
Senegal have been the eventual winners of the ultimate after the match resumed following the gamers’ protest, securing a 1-0 win in further time.
