AFCON 2025: Morocco to prosecute 18 Senegalese nationals after final fiasco

Moroccan authorities have moved swiftly to respond to the chaotic scenes that marred the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final in Rabat. 

Eighteen Senegalese supporters are now facing prosecution following serious crowd disorder during the high-profile clash between Senegal and hosts Morocco.

Moroccan prosecutors have confirmed that legal proceedings have been launched against 18 Senegalese nationals over their alleged involvement in disturbances during the AFCON 2025 final. 

According to the defence team speaking to AFP, the accused are being held in custody on the orders of the public prosecutor.

Defence lawyer Naima El Gallaf revealed that the defendants appeared in court on Thursday for their first hearing. 

However, the session was quickly postponed after requests from both the defence and the civil party to allow more time to prepare their cases. 

The next court hearing has now been scheduled for January 29 in Rabat, as the legal process gathers pace following one of the most controversial nights of the tournament.

The arrests are linked to disorder inside Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium during Sunday’s final, which Senegal won 1-0. Reports indicate that around 1,000 Senegal fans attempted to access the pitch area before the end of normal time, with the disruption lasting nearly 15 minutes.

Security forces and organisers struggled to restore order as some supporters allegedly threw objects onto the field, including at least one stadium seat. The incidents forced authorities to intervene to secure the area and allow the match to continue safely.

In a related development, one Algerian supporter has also been detained in the same case. His lawyer, Jaouad El Benaissi, told AFP that his client is a French citizen of Algerian origin, denies any involvement in violence, and has been described as a sports management expert. 

The crowd trouble added to the tension surrounding a final already overshadowed by controversial refereeing decisions.