Africa-Press – Mauritius. A Moroccan court has handed prison sentences to 18 Senegalese football supporters following violent incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, saw the fans sentenced to between three and 12 months behind bars over charges linked to hooliganism and disorderly conduct.
The group had remained in custody since January 18 — the day Morocco suffered a 1–0 defeat to Senegal in the AFCON final on home soil.
According to prosecutors, tensions escalated during the match as some Senegalese supporters allegedly attempted to storm the pitch, while others threw objects onto the playing surface.
The prosecution argued that the accused intentionally disrupted the smooth conduct of the game, adding that the disturbances were broadcast live on television.
Authorities also reported significant destruction at the stadium, estimating damages at more than four million Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to about $430,000.
Evidence presented in court included surveillance footage from the stadium and medical reports detailing injuries sustained by security personnel and stadium officials.
However, defence counsel, Naima El Guellaf, challenged the strength of the evidence, insisting that the video recordings did not provide clear and undeniable proof that any of the accused physically assaulted security operatives or caused harm.
The case comes amid disciplinary measures already taken by the Confederation of African Football, which in late January imposed heavy fines on both the Senegalese and Moroccan football federations over breaches of fair play and unsporting conduct during the tournament.
El Guellaf argued that her clients should not face double punishment, maintaining that CAF’s sanctions against the Senegalese federation addressed the issue of fan misconduct.
But representing members of the security forces as the civil party, lawyer Mustapha Simou countered that CAF’s disciplinary action does not override national criminal proceedings.
He told the court that the football body’s sanctions in no way shield the defendants from criminal liability, adding that they instead reinforce the seriousness of the allegations.
The court’s decision marks a significant legal outcome stemming from the controversial AFCON final, underscoring authorities’ firm stance against violence and disorder at major sporting events.
