Senegalese football fans remain jailed in Morocco after can final

Nearly four months have elapsed since the Africa Cup of Nations final, a match Senegal initially won 1-0 in extra time, only for the title to be controversially awarded to Morocco with a 3-0 victory by the CAF appeal jury. The status of the Senegalese supporters incarcerated in Rabat remains unchanged. Although three individuals have been released, the primary instigators, those who breached the pitch to confront stadium stewards and then the police, are likely to face prolonged detention.

In a television interview, Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was questioned about the situation of the Lions of Teranga fans, who received prison sentences ranging from six months to a year. “It would be incorrect to assume that insufficient efforts have been made for our supporters held in Morocco. They have my full support,” the head of state declared.

Senegal’s president appeals to Moroccan monarch for fan release

Senegalese authorities have explored every possible avenue to secure the freedom of the supporters arrested in the aftermath of the January 18 encounter in Rabat. “We must respect the judicial systems of other nations. However, we believe their convictions are severe and unjust. Typically, these cases conclude with fines… This situation, though, extends beyond the sporting context,” Bassirou Diomaye Faye reiterated.

The Senegalese government subsequently sought to alleviate tensions with the Cherifian Kingdom, which maintained an uncompromising stance following images of rare violence for a major football competition. Senegal did not appeal the sentences issued by the Moroccan judiciary. “I have formally requested King Mohamed VI of Morocco to pardon our supporters. We have initiated mediation with all stakeholders… We even activated the religious dimension,” explained the President of Senegal, confirming he had written to Mohamed VI. Despite these extensive efforts, the situation remains deadlocked.