Sentences upheld for Senegalese football fans in Morocco

The Rabat Court of Appeal upheld the sentences of 18 Senegalese fans, ranging from three months to one year in prison, for their involvement in the riots that marred the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. The prosecution had sought harsher penalties, but the court decided to uphold the previous sentences, despite the defendants' continued denials of participating in the violence. They maintained that they entered the pitch due to overcrowding or to avoid projectiles, not to protest. The case stems from the events of the final match between Senegal and Morocco, which was marked by significant tension following controversial refereeing decisions. This led to attempts to storm the pitch, the throwing of projectiles, damage to sports facilities, and clashes with security forces. During the appeal hearings, the defense requested the review of video footage to verify the identities of those involved, but the request was denied, with the prosecution asserting that the events were clearly documented. The sentences varied between one year in prison with a fine, six months for a number of defendants, and three months for the rest, while some of those who received the lighter sentence are expected to be released soon.