Senegal fans detained in Morocco after can final controversy

Four months after the African Nations Cup final, initially won by Senegal in extra time (1-0) before being overturned to Morocco on appeal (3-0) by the CAF Appeals Board, the fate of detained supporters in Rabat remains unresolved. While three individuals have been released, the ringleaders—those who invaded the pitch confronting stewards and police—face extended prison sentences.

During a televised address, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the plight of the Lions of Teranga fans, many serving six-month to one-year sentences. « It would be wrong to believe we haven’t done enough for our supporters behind bars in Morocco. They have my full backing », he stated.

diplomatic appeals for mercy: president faye’s plea to king mohamed vi

Senegalese authorities have exhausted all diplomatic avenues to secure the release of fans arrested following the January 18 match in Rabat. « We must respect the justice of others, yet these sentences are disproportionate and unjust. Typically, such incidents result in fines… This goes beyond sportsmanship », President Faye noted.

Efforts to ease tensions with Morocco—stunned by the unprecedented violence captured during the tournament—have stalled. Senegal did not contest the verdicts handed down by Moroccan courts. « I’ve formally requested King Mohamed VI to pardon our supporters. We’ve initiated mediation across all stakeholders… and even involved religious mediation », the president revealed. Despite these measures, the situation remains at a standstill.