Prosecutors in Morocco have requested prison sentences of up to two years for 18 Senegalese football supporters arrested following disturbances at last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
During court proceedings on Thursday, the prosecution urged the court to impose the maximum penalty on some of the defendants, alleging that they “deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match.” Authorities further claimed that the accused were involved in acts of violence that were broadcast live during the game. The defendants, however, have denied any wrongdoing.
The group has remained in pre-trial detention since January 18, the day Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in a tense final played on home soil.
Tensions escalated in the closing minutes of the encounter when some Senegalese supporters reportedly attempted to invade the pitch. Senegal’s players also briefly halted play for nearly 20 minutes in protest over a late penalty decision awarded to Morocco. Objects, including a chair, were allegedly thrown onto the field during the unrest.
According to prosecutors, the case against the fans relies on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports documenting injuries sustained by security personnel and stewards. Authorities also estimated that damage to the stadium exceeded four million Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to approximately $430,000.
The incident comes as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, placing renewed focus on security and crowd management at major sporting events in the country.
