A Moroccan court has upheld prison sentences for 18 Senegalese football fans who were convicted in connection with a pitch invasion during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. This decision comes three months after the chaotic events that unfolded in Rabat. The Rabat Court of Appeal confirmed the original rulings, sentencing nine of the defendants to one year in prison, while the remaining nine received sentences ranging from three to six months. Additionally, all 18 individuals were fined amounts between €90 and €460.
The fans had been in custody since the February final and faced charges that included hooliganism, violence against police, and damage to sports equipment. They denied the accusations, claiming they entered the pitch to escape dangerous crowd surges and projectiles being thrown from the stands. Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou argued in court that the prosecution failed to provide material evidence to support its claims. “The prosecution could not provide any evidence of these accusations,” he stated.
Although prosecutors sought harsher penalties, the court decided to uphold the initial sentences. This ruling concludes one of the most controversial incidents of the tournament, which has drawn significant attention to crowd safety and security at major African football events. The case has ignited a debate regarding the treatment of visiting fans and the management of disorder during high-profile matches. Some observers have questioned the proportionality of the sentences, especially given the lack of direct evidence linking the accused to acts of violence or vandalism.
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