A Moroccan court has postponed the appeal hearing for 19 football fans, including 18 Senegalese nationals, convicted for their role in disrupting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The appeal, initially set to begin on Monday, has been rescheduled to March 30.
The defendants were sentenced last month to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines up to $550, after being found guilty of hooliganism. The charges relate to the disorder that followed the tournament’s decisive match between Senegal and Morocco on January 12.
The incident occurred after a contentious finish to the game. With the score tied, a Senegalese goal was disallowed before a penalty was awarded to Morocco. In protest, the Senegalese team briefly left the pitch. Subsequently, some Senegalese fans in the stadium threw chairs onto the field and clashed with security stewards. The widespread damage was estimated at nearly $500,000.
The case attracted diplomatic attention, with officials from Senegal and France—the latter representing one convicted French citizen—observing the initial proceedings. The diplomatic engagement highlighted the incident’s potential to affect international relations.
Despite the tensions, subsequent efforts focused on de-escalation. Senior officials from both Senegal and Morocco took steps to preserve bilateral ties, exemplified by Senegal’s prime minister visiting Rabat to sign new investment agreements.
The delayed appeal will see the defendants challenge their convictions and sentences before a Moroccan appellate court. The proceedings underscore the legal reckoning following one of the most Disorderly moments in recent African football history. The final verdict will be closely watched, given the case’s mix of sporting dispute, public order, and international diplomacy.
