Wednesday, February 25 2026 - Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has rejected a Moroccan court’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters over a pitch invasion during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The supporters were arrested in Morocco following the
January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated the hosts 1–0. Authorities
accused them of violence against security forces and causing damage after some
fans attempted to storm the pitch and reportedly threw projectiles during the
chaotic match.
On Thursday, February 19, a Moroccan court sentenced the 18
supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with
fines of up to $545.
Reacting on Tuesday, February 24, while addressing
parliament, Sonko expressed disappointment at how the case was handled. “It
seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” he
said.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like
Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far,” the prime minister
added. Sonko further stated that Morocco’s handling of the situation “does not
honour” the longstanding relationship between the two nations. He said Senegal
had taken all necessary steps to secure the release of its citizens.
The prime minister also indicated that Senegal could invoke
a bilateral agreement that allows for the mutual transfer of convicted persons,
if required, in an effort to resolve the matter.
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