Rabat Court Delays Appeal Of 18 Senegal Fans In AFCON Riot Case

Rabat – The Rabat Court of Appeal has confirmed the convictions of Senegalese supporters accused of hooliganism and vandalism during the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.

The judges reached their decision after a long session that ran late into the night, following extended arguments from both sides.

During the appeal, the defense asked the court to show the video footage used by investigators.

Lawyers said the clips were needed to check whether the accused could be clearly identified and to challenge the evidence against each person.

The defense focused its arguments on the reliability of the proof presented at the first trial.

The public prosecutor opposed the defense requests. The prosecution argued that the facts were already clear and that replaying the footage would not change the case.

Prosecutors also stressed that the events had been widely seen and that the evidence supporting the original verdicts was sufficient.

After hearing the defense, the civil party, and the prosecution, the appeals court decided to uphold the initial rulings.

The judges found no reason to overturn the earlier sentences and confirmed the penalties handed down at the first trial

Background of the case

The 18 supporters were arrested after clashes in Rabat during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.

In March, CAF’s Appeal Board awarded the AFCON final to Morocco, acknowledging Senegal had breached the tournament’s regulations.

In February, the Rabat court sentenced the fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines.

Charges included rioting, violence against security forces, destruction of stadium property, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles.

Details of sentences

Nine fans received one‑year sentences and fines of MAD5,000 ($500). Six others were sentenced to six months with fines of MAD 2,000 ($200).

Three supporters were given three‑month terms and fines of MAD 1,000 ($100). A French national of Algerian origin was also sentenced to three months for throwing a water bottle.

Those serving three‑month sentences are eligible for release soon, while others remain in custody.

The supporters denied involvement in the violence despite the clear evidence, claiming they were forced onto the pitch due to crowd pressure or to escape projectiles.

Most gave testimony in Wolof, translated into French and Arabic. Defense lawyer Patrick Kabo argued that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking the accused to the acts of violence. “Mistakes were made, and those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here,” he told reporters.