The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned Morocco’s sentencing of 18 of its football fans for hooliganism during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between the two countries.

Chaos broke out towards the end of the match after Morocco was awarded a late penalty, leading to a heavy clash between security personnel and a section of Senegalese supporters who attempted to invade the stadium after Senegal’s players halted play for almost 20 minutes.

Several Senegalese were arrested in connection with the chaos. 

Eighteen of them were sentenced by a Moroccan court on Thursday, with nine received one-year prison terms and were fined 5,000 dirhams ($545), while six received six months’ imprisonment and a 2,000 dirham ($218) fine.

Additionally, three were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment and fined 1,000 dirhams ($109).

Reacting to the decision, Bacary Cisse, president of the FSF’s communications committee, strongly criticised the sentencing of the Senegal supporters. 

He restated that the verdict was harsh and targeted, citing similar cases around the world, including in Morocco, that involved criminal prosecutions.

“We express our profound dismay and distress following the verdict. This incomprehensibly harsh decision has provoked widespread outrage,” Mr Cisse told the AFP news agency. “Clashes occur in numerous stadiums around the world, including every weekend in Morocco, without resulting in such sanctions. The treatment of these supporters, therefore, appears disproportionate,” he added.

The Confederation of African Football imposed an unprecedented fine of over $1 million against Senegal and Morocco following the chaos that marred the AFCON final in January.