Three football supporters from Senegal have been released from detention in Morocco after completing three-month prison sentences linked to unrest during the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. The men were among 18 Senegalese nationals and one French citizen convicted in February for offences including hooliganism, violence against police, and damage to stadium property following the controversial final held in Rabat on January 18. Sentences ranged from three months to one year, along with fines between €90 and €460. The Rabat Court of Appeal upheld the convictions earlier this week. The three released fans are the first to complete their terms, while 15 others remain in custody.
The unrest occurred during a tense match between Senegal and Morocco, where fans stormed the pitch in protest over a disputed penalty decision. Senegal initially won the match 1–0 after extra time, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result and awarded the title to Morocco, further fueling controversy. Lawyers representing the remaining detainees say they plan to petition for a royal pardon, a legal option sometimes granted in Morocco in exceptional cases. The incident has drawn attention to crowd control challenges at major African football tournaments and the legal consequences faced by foreign supporters involved in stadium violence.
