Senegal Morocco football final sparks legal and sporting disputes

Tensions surrounding the CAN 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco show no signs of easing. The controversy deepened after the CAF Appeals Jury controversially awarded Morocco a 3-0 technical victory on March 17, overturning the 1-0 on-field win by Senegal. In response, the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has escalated the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Meanwhile, another pressing issue has emerged concerning the legal fate of 18 Senegalese supporters. These individuals face charges of hooliganism linked to the chaotic events that unfolded during the final match on January 18. Initially sentenced on February 19 to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, their appeal was heard in Rabat this week.

During the hearing, details revealed that those given three-month sentences could be released as early as this coming Saturday. The defendants maintained their innocence, while prosecutors pushed for harsher penalties, with potential sentences reaching up to two years. The charges include violence against law enforcement, pitch invasion, and throwing objects.

defense argues crowd control failures and misconduct

The legal team representing the supporters presented a contrasting account. They claimed their clients were forced onto the pitch due to a surge in the crowd’s movement or to escape what they described as “spitting and projectile attacks.” This was not an act of defiance against the referee’s decision, they argued. “Mistakes were made. Those responsible are in Senegal, not here in court,” stated one of their lawyers, Patrick Kabou, to AFP.

The proceedings also highlighted a procedural dispute. The defense requested access to footage of the incidents to properly identify their clients. However, the prosecution opposed this, citing clear evidence of the events captured live. “The entire world witnessed these deplorable scenes in real time,” the prosecution argued.