The highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final has stirred intense debate following a contentious decision by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Appeals Jury. On March 17, the jury controversially awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory on green table over Senegal’s 1-0 on-field win, prompting the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
A second controversy has emerged regarding the legal aftermath of the January 18 final. Eighteen Senegalese supporters face charges of hooliganism linked to post-match unrest, with initial convictions handed down on February 19. Sentences ranged from three months to one year in prison, but an appeal hearing in Rabat on Monday could alter these outcomes.
During the proceedings, details emerged that supporters sentenced to three months could be released as early as this Saturday. However, prosecutors have pushed for harsher penalties, including up to two years in prison, according to RMC. The accused are charged with violence against law enforcement, pitch invasion, and throwing objects.
defense claims procedural flaws in Senegal supporters’ trial
The defense presents a starkly different account of the events. Supporters argue they rushed onto the pitch due to crowd pressure or to escape « spitting and projectile attacks », rather than protesting a referee’s call. « Mistakes were made; the individuals involved in these incidents are in Senegal and not present here, » argued Patrick Kabou, one of their lawyers, in an interview with the AFP.
The hearing became a procedural battleground as the defense sought access to video footage of the disturbances to formally identify the accused. The prosecution opposed the request, citing clear evidence of the incident: « The entire world witnessed these deplorable scenes live ».
