The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final remains a hotbed of controversy, with tensions escalating after a contentious decision by the African Football Confederation (CAF) Appeals Jury. On March 17, the jury controversially awarded a 3-0 victory on forfeit to Morocco, despite Senegal’s on-field triumph (1-0). In response, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).

Adding to the unrest, another high-stakes legal battle is unfolding. Eighteen Senegalese supporters face charges of hooliganism following violent incidents during the final on January 18. Initially sentenced on February 19 to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, their appeal was reheard in Rabat this week.

During proceedings, it emerged that supporters given three-month sentences could be released as early as this Saturday. However, the prosecution has pushed for harsher penalties, potentially extending up to two years in prison, as reported by RMC. The accused are charged with violence against law enforcement, pitch invasion, and projectile throwing.

defense claims procedural flaws and misidentification

The defense presents a starkly different narrative. The supporters argue they were forced onto the pitch due to crowd movements or to escape « spitting and projectile attacks », rather than challenging referee decisions. « Mistakes were made—the real instigators are back in Senegal, not here », argued one of their lawyers, Patrick Kabou, in an AFP statement.

Procedural disputes dominated the hearing. The defense sought access to incident footage to formally identify the accused, but the prosecution blocked the request, citing clear evidence of the acts: « The entire world witnessed these deplorable scenes live ».