Nearly four months after the Africa Cup of Nations final, where Senegal triumphed in extra time (1-0) before the result was overturned to a 3-0 forfeit in favor of Morocco by the CAF Appeals Board, the plight of detained fans in Rabat remains unresolved. While three individuals have been released, the key instigators—those who stormed the pitch, confronting stewards and police—face extended prison sentences.
During a televised address, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the predicament of the Lions of Teranga supporters, many of whom received sentences ranging from six months to a year behind bars. « It would be a mistake to believe we haven’t done enough for our detained fans in Morocco. They have my full support, » the president declared, as reported by Afrik-Foot.
diplomatic efforts stall as Senegal seeks leniency
The Senegalese government has pursued every available avenue to secure the release of supporters detained following the January 18 match in Rabat. « Justice must be respected, but their sentences are disproportionate and unjust. Typically, such cases conclude with fines… This goes far beyond sportsmanship, » Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized.
Efforts to ease tensions with the Kingdom of Morocco have proven ineffective, particularly after footage of the unprecedented violence during the tournament circulated widely. Senegal refrained from appealing the verdicts handed down by Moroccan courts. « I’ve personally appealed to the King of Morocco to pardon our supporters. We’ve engaged in mediation with all stakeholders… even explored religious channels to resolve this impasse, » the president disclosed, confirming his direct correspondence with King Mohammed VI. Yet, the situation persists in a deadlock.
