Morocco has released three Senegalese football supporters after they completed three-month prison terms handed down for their role in the violence that erupted during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, authorities confirmed today. The men were part of a group of 18 Senegalese fans arrested on January 18, 2026, the night Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 in a turbulent final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The trio were sentenced on February 19 by a Rabat court to three months in prison and fined 1,000 dirhams (∼$109) each after being convicted of hooliganism charges linked to the post-match disorder. Prosecutors said the fans were involved in acts of violence broadcast live on television, including attempts to invade the pitch and throwing objects after a contentious late penalty was awarded to Morocco.
In total, the Rabat court handed down sentences ranging from three months to one year. Nine supporters received one-year terms with 5,000-dirham fines, six got six months and 2,000 dirhams, and three — the men now freed — received the shortest sentences. Defence lawyers had argued the video evidence did not conclusively prove individual assaults and called the verdicts “incomprehensible”.
The case strained diplomatic ties between the two West African allies. Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko told parliament the matter “goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable,” adding that “for two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far”. Dakar had pressed for leniency and signaled it could invoke bilateral agreements to have any convicted nationals serve time at home.
The January 18 final descended into chaos after referee Jean-Jacques Ngambo disallowed an Ismaila Sarr goal and later awarded Morocco a stoppage-time penalty. Senegal’s players walked off in protest, fans clashed with security, and chairs were thrown onto the pitch before play resumed and Pape Gueye scored the extra-time winner. Prosecutors sought two-year terms for some defendants, citing stadium damage and injuries to security forces.
With their sentences served, the three fans have now been released and are expected to return to Senegal. Nine others remain in custody serving one-year terms, while six are due for release in the coming months unless appeals or diplomatic channels alter their detention. The incident has reignited debate over stadium security, fan conduct, and how far footballing rivalry should extend into the courts.
