Senegal prime minister decries Morocco’s jailing of fans after AFCON final
Al Jazeera
February 25, 2026
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Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has condemned Morocco’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese football fans following disturbances during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. The incident occurred after Senegal players left the pitch in protest over a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco, prompting fans to attempt entering the field, which led to their arrest on charges of hooliganism and violence against security officials. Last Thursday, they received prison sentences ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to 5,000 dirhams ($545). Sonko criticized the move, calling it regrettable and beyond the realm of sport, particularly between two friendly nations like Senegal and Morocco.
The supporters, who denied any wrongdoing, have not appealed the sentence but are currently awaiting further developments. Senegal’s government is seeking a royal pardon from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, as per existing agreements that allow for such requests. The Senegalese Football Association also condemned the sentences as “incomprehensibly harsh,” noting that similar stadium clashes elsewhere rarely result in such severe sanctions.
The incident highlights the tension between sportsmanship and legal consequences when fans’ actions disrupt events. While Morocco’s response was swift, it has sparked diplomatic friction with Senegal, which views the treatment of its citizens as disproportionate. The case raises broader questions about how authorities handle fan behavior during international sporting events and whether such incidents should be addressed through dialogue rather than prosecution.
The AFCON final itself ended with Senegal securing a 1-0 win in extra time after the match was suspended and resumed following the players’ protest. However, the aftermath has overshadowed the victory, drawing attention to issues of spectator behavior, legal jurisdiction, and diplomatic relations in international sports events. This case underscores the potential for sports incidents to escalate into political disputes, particularly when involving neighboring nations with complex historical ties.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/25/2026