Court Decision on AFCON Final Riots
The Rabat Court of Appeals in Morocco has officially concluded the case concerning the riots that occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, which took place in January 2026 between Morocco and Senegal. In a ruling made late on the night of April 13-14, the court upheld the initial sentences handed down to 18 Senegalese fans, who were detained amidst the chaos that ensued during the match. Alongside them, a French citizen was also arrested for his involvement in the disturbances that led to vandalism and damage at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, as well as injuries to law enforcement and private security personnel present at the event.
Details of the Sentences
The trial, which took place on April 13, was marked by extensive arguments presented by the defense teams of the detained Senegalese supporters and the French national, as well as by the plaintiffs' legal representatives advocating for civil rights. The public prosecutor intervened during the session, addressing requests made to the court, notably a motion to summon the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to his role in organizing the event—this request was denied by the prosecution on the grounds that the crimes occurred within the stadium and were witnessed by all attendees. Consequently, the judges also dismissed this motion.
In its final verdict, the Rabat Court of Appeals reaffirmed the initial sentences from the lower court, convicting nine Senegalese fans to one year in prison and imposing a fine of 5,000 dirhams (approximately 460 euros). Six other individuals received a sentence of six months and a fine of 2,000 dirhams (around 180 euros), while three were sentenced to three months in prison with a fine of 1,000 dirhams (90 euros). The French citizen involved in the incident was also sentenced to three months in prison and a 1,000 dirham fine for throwing a water bottle at law enforcement officers.
It is anticipated that the individuals sentenced to three months will be released from prison on Saturday, April 18, marking the end of their incarceration, while the remaining 15 Senegalese fans will serve their sentences ranging from six months to one year. The Moroccan authorities have emphasized their commitment to taking a firm stance against individuals involved in football-related violence, regardless of their nationality.
In response to the court's decision, the Senegalese Football Federation expressed its profound dissatisfaction and bewilderment regarding the harsh sentences handed down to the 18 supporters, describing them as excessively severe and disproportionate. Bakary Cissé, the head of the federation's media committee, expressed deep concerns over what he termed a blatant injustice, noting that altercations occur in stadiums worldwide, including in Morocco, on a regular basis without leading to such punitive measures.
Patrick Cabo, a Franco-Senegalese lawyer representing the detained fans, criticized the court's decision as incomprehensible, asserting that his clients were being utilized as scapegoats in this situation.
As reported by almayadeennews.ma.
