In the wake of chaotic scenes during the 2026 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has criticised Moroccan authorities over the AFCON final arrests of Senegalese supporters.
Speaking in the Senegalese parliament this week, Sonko said it was unfair to jail fans following the dramatic final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat. He stressed that both nations share strong diplomatic ties and should handle such matters with greater sensitivity.
Sonko, quoted by AFP via The Citizen, expressed regret over the decision by Moroccan courts to sentence 18 supporters of the Lions of Teranga after unrest at the final in January.
The AFCON final took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. However, tension boiled over during a tightly contested match watched by millions worldwide.
Violence erupted after a VAR review awarded Morocco a penalty. Senegal’s players, led by captain Sadio Mane, walked off the pitch in protest. They later returned after Morocco forward Brahim Diaz saw his penalty saved.
Amid the chaos, some supporters attempted to enter the field of play. Moroccan security personnel detained several individuals and later charged them with hooliganism and violence.
Despite the disruption, Senegal went on to win the final 1-0, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal. Last Thursday, Morocco’s prison authorities sentenced the 18 supporters to terms ranging from three months to one year. The court also imposed fines of 5,000 dirhams.
The ruling triggered backlash in Senegal. Prime Minister Sonko told parliament that the matter had escalated beyond sport. “It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” Sonko said.
“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far.” He argued that the handling of the case “does not honour” the relations between the two nations.
Senegalese authorities are now considering diplomatic solutions. According to reports, officials may request a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI.
If that fails, Senegal could activate bilateral agreements allowing the convicted supporters to serve their sentences at home.
“If they do not, we have agreements that bind us and allow us to request that the supporters serve their sentences in their own country,” Sonko added.
The 18 supporters deny wrongdoing but have not yet filed formal appeals. The fallout from the AFCON final arrests extends beyond the fans. Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, received a five-match ban. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also fined him $100,000 for “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute.”
Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were handed two-match bans for their behaviour towards the referee. The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) was fined $615,000.
On Morocco’s side, striker Ismael Saibari received a three-match ban and a $100,000 fine. Defender Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches, with one suspended for a year.
While Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy, the arrests during the final continue to cast a shadow over celebrations.
What began as a football controversy has evolved into a diplomatic issue between two friendly nations. As negotiations continue, both governments face pressure to resolve the matter without damaging long-standing bilateral ties.
