AFCON 2025: three Senegalese fans released, fifteen still detained – Morocco-Senegal title still awaiting CAS ruling
🕊️ 3 fans released, 15 still imprisoned
On April 18, 2026, three Senegalese supporters left Al Arjat 2 prison near Rabat after serving three-month sentences for their involvement in the violence that broke out during the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal. Upon release, they were greeted by members of the Senegalese embassy and chanted “Dima Morocco” in front of cameras.
- ✅ 3 fans released (3-month sentence served).
- ❌ 15 fans still detained – sentences ranging from 6 months to 1 year for “hooliganism” (violence, property damage, pitch invasion).
- 🇫🇷 A French national of Algerian origin, arrested for throwing a water bottle, has also been released.
🔹 The detainees’ lawyers have announced a new appeal before the Rabat Court of Appeal in the coming weeks.
🏆 The Morocco-Senegal title: a never-ending legal battle
On the pitch, Senegal won the final 1-0. But CAF’s Appeals Committee reversed the decision and awarded the title to Morocco (3-0 on a technical forfeit) due to the Senegalese team’s temporary walk-off in protest of a controversial refereeing decision. Since then, the legal saga has blocked the tournament’s official outcome.
Our publication investigated CAF’s deliberations, the arguments from both the Moroccan and Senegalese federations, and the legal precedents that could influence the CAS ruling.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was seized by the Senegalese Football Federation. According to legal experts, the arbitration could take between 9 and 12 months. To date, no hearing date has been officially announced. In the meantime, Moroccan authorities provisionally consider Morocco as champion, while the physical trophy is reportedly still kept in Dakar.
🤝 Motsepe’s diplomatic tour to ease tensions
CAF President Patrice Motsepe conducted a diplomatic tour in early April 2026 to Dakar and Rabat. He met with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Moroccan officials. Motsepe stated: “CAF will respect any decision issued by CAS, but we must learn lessons so that such incidents do not happen again.” He also announced a reform of CAF’s disciplinary regulations.
🔗 For further information – official sources and resources
📍 Read on Salil.ma:
🔍 CAF decision: behind the scenes of Senegal’s title withdrawal🌍 External sources and official updates:
🏅 CAF official website – AFCON 2025 ⚖️ Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) – Case follow-up 🇸🇳 Senegalese Football Federation – Official statements 🇲🇦 Royal Moroccan Football Federation – Latest news 📺 YouTube – Highlights and footage of the controversial final
