A Moroccan court has postponed the appeal hearing for 18 Senegalese nationals convicted for their involvement in the violent fan disorder that followed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. The appeal, originally scheduled to commence on Monday, has been rescheduled to March 30th.
The convictions stem from incidents during the tournament’s championship match between Senegal and Morocco on January [date to be inserted if known, otherwise omit]. With the game deadlocked, a Senegalese goal was disallowed before Moroccan players were awarded a penalty. In protest, the Senegalese team temporarily left the pitch. This sparked chaos among supporters, who threw chairs onto the field and clashed with stadium stewards. The violence caused approximately half a million dollars in property damage.
Last month, a Moroccan court convicted 18 Senegalese men and one French citizen on charges of hooliganism. Sentences ranged from three months to one year in prison, accompanied by fines reaching up to $550. The case attracted diplomatic attention, with officials from Senegal and France observing the initial proceedings.
The unrest threatened to strain diplomatic ties between Morocco and Senegal, two nations with significant political and economic relations in West Africa. However, subsequent high-level engagements aimed to de-escalate tensions. Senegal’s prime minister visited Rabat following the final to sign bilateral investment agreements, signaling a mutual desire to preserve strategic cooperation beyond the incident.
The delayed appeal highlights the enduring legal consequences of the final’s disorder. While both governments have moved to compartmentalize the fan violence from state relations, the judicial process for the convicted individuals continues. The March 30th hearing will determine whether their sentences are upheld, reduced, or altered. The case remains a notable reference point for security and fan management at major sporting events in the region.
