Sénégal can aftermath supporters still detained in Morocco

Nearly four months after the African Cup of Nations final, where Senegal initially won on penalties (1-0) before the result was overturned to a 3-0 forfeit by the CAF Appeals Committee, the fate of detained supporters in Rabat remains unresolved. While three individuals have been released, key instigators—those who stormed the pitch confronting stewards and police—face prolonged imprisonment.

During a recent television interview, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the plight of the Lions of Teranga fans, many of whom received sentences ranging from six months to a year. « It would be wrong to assume we haven’t done enough for our supporters held in Morocco. They have my full backing », the President stated, as reported by Afrik-Foot.

Senegalese government appeals for mercy from Morocco

Senegalese authorities have exhausted all diplomatic avenues to secure the release of fans arrested following the January 18 match in Rabat. « We must respect judicial processes abroad, yet we recognize these sentences are disproportionate and unjust. Typically, such incidents result in fines… Here, the situation escalates beyond sport », President Faye remarked.

The Senegalese government has sought to ease tensions with the Moroccan authorities, who remain firm in their stance following the unprecedented violence captured during the tournament. Senegal did not contest the verdicts handed down by Moroccan courts. « I personally appealed to the King of Morocco to pardon our supporters. We’ve pursued mediation with all stakeholders—even involving religious channels—yet the impasse persists », the President explained.