Senegal-Morocco can final: fan releases and ongoing trophy dispute

The final of the Africa Cup of Nations, contested on January 18th between Morocco and Senegal, continues to be a major talking point. Initially awarded to the Lions of Terranga, the trophy was subsequently reallocated to the Lions of the Atlas two months later, following a ruling by the CAF. This contentious final also saw significant disturbances, leading to confirmed prison sentences for a number of supporters. Recently, three of these individuals have been released.

This past Saturday, French publication L’Équipe reported the release of three Senegalese supporters. These individuals, who had been serving three-month sentences for acts of « hooliganism » committed during the match, were held in a Moroccan prison.

The specific charges against them encompassed « acts of violence, particularly targeting law enforcement, damage to sports facilities, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles ». While these three are now free, they were not the only ones incarcerated. The same report highlighted that fifteen other supporters are still serving sentences ranging from six months to a year.

the Senegal-Morocco dispute: legal proceedings continue

During Monday’s appeal hearing, the sentences for the accused individuals were upheld. This decision came despite the prosecution’s request for harsher penalties, a move that drew strong criticism from the defense. Counsel for the supporters argued during the proceedings that those who entered the pitch were compelled to do so by a crowd surge. One of their lawyers notably stated, « Errors were made; the individuals truly responsible for what occurred are in Senegal and are not present here ».

Regarding the ultimate allocation of the trophy, a definitive decision is still pending. Although Morocco has been declared the winner by default (0-3) following the initial ruling, the Senegalese Football Federation has escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).