Nearly four months after the Africa Cup of Nations final—a match won by Senegal on the pitch but later awarded to Morocco by the CAF appeal jury—the legal status of Senegalese fans detained in Rabat remains unchanged. Although three individuals have been granted release, those identified as the main instigators of the pitch invasion and subsequent altercations with security and police forces continue to serve their sentences.
During a televised broadcast, the President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, spoke about the Lions of Teranga supporters currently facing prison terms of six months to a year. He countered claims of government inaction, asserting that he fully supports the detained citizens and has been working on their behalf.
President of Senegal appeals to the King of Morocco
Authorities in Senegal have explored multiple paths to secure the freedom of those arrested following the events of January 18 in Rabat. While Bassirou Diomaye Faye noted the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the Moroccan judicial system, he characterized the sentences as excessively harsh and atypical for sports-related offenses, which usually result in financial penalties rather than incarceration.
The Senegalese administration has attempted to mend relations with Morocco, which has maintained a strict stance following the violent scenes that marred the high-profile football tournament. Opting for diplomacy over legal appeals, the government has sought a more conciliatory route. President Faye confirmed he has formally written to King Mohamed VI to request a royal pardon. This mediation effort has involved various stakeholders, including religious authorities, yet the situation currently remains at a standstill.
