Rabat – The Rabat First Criminal Court on Thursday afternoon postponed to January 29 the trial of 18 Senegalese fans and one Algerian citizen, who are facing charges related to violent incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
According to converging reports, the defendants appeared in court accompanied by Moroccan lawyers, while civil parties were also present. The session took place under exceptional security measures, with reinforced police presence inside the courtroom. Videos shared on social media showed the Senegalese fans and Algerian arriving at the court under heavy security.
During the hearing, the defense for the Senegalese fans requested provisional release, citing their fixed addresses, which would allow for summons through the Senegalese Embassy in Morocco, as well as legal protections provided under Moroccan law for foreign nationals. Alternatives such as financial bail, passport confiscation, and travel restrictions were also proposed.
The Senegalese defendants face multiple charges, including participating in violent acts during a sporting event, forcibly entering the pitch, damaging sporting facilities, assaulting law enforcement officers, and throwing objects causing harm. The Algerian citizen, who also holds French nationality, is similarly charged with participating in sporting violence, damaging equipment, assaulting public forces, and deliberately throwing liquids causing damage.
Authorities had arrested the 18 Senegalese supporters and the Algerian fan on Sunday, following widespread disorder and misconduct during the AFCON 2025 final. A judicial source confirmed that the arrests were ordered by the Rabat First Instance Court prosecutor “to be questioned about acts of hooliganism committed” inside the stadium.
In response to the events, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced on Monday that it would file formal complaints with FIFA and CAF, citing Senegal’s withdrawal from the pitch and the violence as having severely disrupted the match.
CAF condemned the incidents as “unacceptable behavior,” stating it would review match footage before referring the matter to disciplinary bodies.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui also described the events as a “shameful” image of African football, reflecting widespread criticism of the disruptions during the highly anticipated final.
