Senegalese Fans Deny Wrongdoing During Appeal Against AFCON Final Prison Sentences

Posted : 14 April 2026

Eighteen Senegalese football fans convicted for their roles in the Africa Cup of Nations final chaos appeared before a Rabat appeals court on Monday. The supporters officially denied all charges of hooliganism related to the pitch invasion during the January final in Morocco. These fans were sentenced in February to prison terms between three and twelve months.

The supporters argued that they did not enter the pitch to protest refereeing decisions. Instead, they claimed they were pushed onto the field by a surging crowd. Some fans testified they moved to the grass to escape projectiles and spit coming from the stands. This defense aims to overturn the earlier convictions that classified their actions as intentional hooliganism.

The final on January 18 was marred by controversy after Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory on the pitch. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later reversed this result and awarded the title to Morocco. The Senegalese Football Federation responded by taking the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Prosecution lawyers have requested that the appeals court increase the current prison sentences for the group. They argued that the fans were caught in the act during a globally televised event. The prosecution maintains that the footage shown live provides sufficient evidence of their guilt.

Defense lawyer Naima El Guellaf requested that specific video evidence be played in court to verify identities. She believes the footage will show that the individuals currently in custody were not the primary instigators. The prosecution has strongly opposed this request, stating the images already speak for themselves.

A second defense lawyer, Patrick Kabou, suggested that the true culprits are not currently in Morocco. He claimed that the people responsible for the worst of the chaos have already returned to Senegal. The judge has not yet ruled on whether the court will review the video evidence.

This legal battle continues as the Senegalese football community awaits a final decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The outcome of these appeals will significantly impact the fans still held in Moroccan custody. For now, the group remains imprisoned while the judicial process moves forward in Rabat.

Senegalese Fans Deny Wrongdoing During Appeal Against AFCON Final Prison Sentences

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