The final of the Africa Cup of Nations, a match originally won by Senegal on January 18th, continues to generate considerable discussion. Following a decision by the CAF, the trophy was controversially re-awarded to Morocco two months later, despite Senegal’s initial victory. This eventful final saw various disturbances, resulting in confirmed prison terms for several supporters. Recently, three of these individuals have been released from detention.
This Saturday, L’Équipe disclosed information confirming the release of three Senegalese supporters. These individuals had been handed three-month prison sentences for engaging in acts of « hooliganism » on the sidelines of the match and were held in a Moroccan prison facility.
The accusations leveled against them included « acts of violence, particularly against law enforcement, degradation of sports equipment, pitch invasion, and throwing projectiles ». While these three are now free, they were not the only ones incarcerated. The media outlet reiterated that fifteen other supporters are still serving prison sentences ranging from six months to a full year.
ongoing legal proceedings for Senegal-Morocco match
During an appeal hearing on Monday, the sentences for the accused were upheld. This decision came even though the prosecution had requested an increase in the penalties, a move that provoked anger from the defense. The defense team argued during the hearing that supporters who found themselves on the pitch had been forced down due to a crowd surge. One of their lawyers notably stated, « There were errors; the individuals truly involved in what happened are located in Senegal and are not present here ».
As for the definitive attribution of the trophy, it remains an unresolved matter. Although Morocco has been designated the winner on appeal with a 0-3 score, the Senegalese Federation has escalated the case to the Tribunal arbitral du sport (TAS).