Rabat – The Court of Appeal in Rabat has once again delayed hearings in the case of 18 Senegalese supporters convicted after violent incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The trial continues to draw attention, with defense lawyers challenging evidence and calling for broader accountability.
At Monday’s session, the defense requested that Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), be summoned to testify as the head of the organizing body.
Lawyers also asked the court to review video footage used by investigators to determine the level of involvement of each supporter.
The prosecution rejected these motions, arguing that showing the videos would not add value and that Motsepe’s testimony would not contribute to clarifying the charges. The court sided with the prosecution, postponing the case without setting a new date.
Background of the case
The 18 supporters were arrested after clashes in Rabat during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.
In March, CAF’s Appeal Board awarded the AFCON final to Morocco, acknowledging Senegal had breached the tournament’s regulations.
In February, the Rabat court sentenced the fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines.
Charges included rioting, violence against security forces, destruction of stadium property, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles.
Details of sentences
Nine fans received one‑year sentences and fines of MAD5,000 ($500). Six others were sentenced to six months with fines of MAD 2,000 ($200).
Three supporters were given three‑month terms and fines of MAD 1,000 ($100). A French national of Algerian origin was also sentenced to three months for throwing a water bottle.
Those serving three‑month sentences are eligible for release soon, while others remain in custody.
The supporters denied involvement in the violence despite the clear evidence, claiming they were forced onto the pitch due to crowd pressure or to escape projectiles.
Most gave testimony in Wolof, translated into French and Arabic. Defense lawyer Patrick Kabo argued that the prosecution failed to present evidence linking the accused to the acts of violence. “Mistakes were made, and those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here,” he told reporters.
Read also: Senegalese Fans Sentenced for AFCON Final Hooliganism to Go on Appeal Trial