Senegal Mobilizes Legal Aid for Fans Detained After AFCON 2025 Final
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has announced that it is mobilizing legal assistance for supporters who remain in detention in Morocco following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Several fans were arrested at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, after chaos erupted when Senegal’s players staged a walkout in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
Although Senegal went on to win the final, tensions surrounding the match had been high, with accusations from the Senegalese camp of food poisoning, poor accommodation, and substandard training facilities in the build‑up.
Since then, diplomatic channels have been engaged between the two countries to secure the release of the detained supporters, but efforts have so far yielded no breakthrough. Moroccan police accused the fans of causing disturbances in the stands during the game.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the FSF said the matter is being followed ‘with the utmost attention’ and assured the public that Senegal is committed to protecting the rights of its citizens.
The federation emphasized that the State of Senegal is fully mobilized, working at the highest level in collaboration with Moroccan authorities, and under the coordination of Senegal’s ambassador in Rabat. The statement stressed that steps are being taken to monitor detention conditions, guarantee fundamental rights, and provide appropriate legal assistance.
The FSF also expressed solidarity with its supporters, praising their commitment to the national team and urging calm and confidence in the ongoing diplomatic and legal processes. It promised to keep the public informed of developments.
In a symbolic gesture of support, Teranga Lions coach Pape Thiaw last week visited the family of one of the detained fans, presenting them with the AFCON trophy as a show of unity.
