A Moroccan appeals court has upheld prison sentences against 18 Senegalese football supporters convicted over a pitch invasion during the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
The Rabat Court of Appeal maintained the original sentences handed down in February, despite prosecutors seeking tougher penalties. Nine of the defendants will serve one year in prison, while the remaining nine received terms ranging from three to six months. The sentences also include fines of between about €90 and €460.
The supporters have been in detention since the January 18 final, which was marred by crowd trouble and controversy. They were convicted on charges including hooliganism, violence against police, pitch invasion and damage to sports equipment. The defendants denied wrongdoing during the appeal hearing.
Their lawyers argued that the fans did not enter the pitch to protest a refereeing decision, but fled onto the field to escape crowd surges, projectiles and disorder in the stands. Defence lawyer Patrick Kabou said prosecutors had failed to present material evidence linking his clients to the alleged acts of violence.
“The prosecution could not provide any evidence of these accusations,” Kabou said.
The case has drawn attention in Senegal, where officials and families of the detained supporters have questioned the fairness of the proceedings. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko previously criticised the handling of the case following the final, which Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco.
The AFCON final itself remains one of the most controversial in recent tournament history. The match was disrupted by a temporary Senegal walk-off, clashes involving supporters and security personnel, and disciplinary action by the Confederation of African Football against both Morocco and Senegal.
Moroccan authorities have treated the pitch invasion as a public order and stadium safety matter, while the defence maintains that the supporters were victims of confusion and poor crowd control.
For now, the appeals court ruling leaves the 18 Senegalese fans facing continued detention, although those with shorter three-month terms may be eligible for release soon, given the time already spent in custody.
