Release of Senegalese Supporters After CAN 2025 Incident
On April 18, 2026, three Senegalese supporters who had been sentenced to three months in prison for their involvement in violent incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final in Rabat, Morocco, were released after completing their sentences. The supporters had faced charges of "hooliganism" that stemmed from the chaotic events that unfolded during the match between Senegal and Morocco on January 18, 2026.
The supporters exited the Al Arjat 2 prison, located northeast of Rabat, in a police vehicle before being taken to a nearby police station in Salé where they were officially released. Upon their arrival, they were greeted with smiles and cheers from members of the Senegalese embassy. One of the released supporters expressed his gratitude, stating "Dima Maroc, dima Maghrib," which translates to "long live Morocco" in Moroccan dialect.
In connection with the same incident, an additional fifteen Senegalese supporters are currently serving sentences ranging from six months to one year, as confirmed in an appeal ruling earlier this week. These individuals have been incarcerated since the tumultuous finale, where they faced charges for various acts of violence, including assaulting law enforcement officers, vandalizing sports equipment, invading the pitch, and throwing projectiles onto the field.
Additionally, a French national of Algerian descent was also released on the same day after serving three months for throwing a water bottle during the final. The match itself was marked by controversy, particularly in the closing minutes when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after previously denying a goal for Senegal. This decision incited outrage among Senegalese players, leading to a chaotic scene where several exited the field and fans attempted to storm the pitch.
Ultimately, after the referee's penalty decision, Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz missed the penalty kick, and Senegal went on to win the match 1-0, with a goal scored by Pape Gueye in extra time. Following the conclusion of the tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially awarded the 2025 CAN title to Morocco, a decision that Senegal has since challenged in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As reported by information.tv5monde.com.
