Senegal PM criticises fan prison sentences for Afcon final clashes

Senegal's prime minister says it is "regrettable" that 18 people from the country have been handed prison sentences after being convicted of hooliganism offences related to disturbances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

The Teranga Lions followers were detained after being accused of violence against security forces and of causing damage during the match in Rabat on 18 January.

There was unrest in the stands after Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, with a section of Senegal's support attempting to invade the pitch.

Some Senegal players left the field of play in protest at the referee's decision but eventually returned and Morocco and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz had his penalty attempt saved before the West Africans won 1-0 after extra time.

Last Thursday a court in the Moroccan capital handed out the prison sentences ranging from three months to one year and fines worth up to 5,000 dirhams ($545, £403).

"It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable," Senegal's prime minister Ousmane Sonko told parliament.

"For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far."

Moroccan prosecutors had sought a maximum two-year sentence for some of those involved, saying the defendants had "deliberately sought to disrupt the proper conduct of the match".

The 18 men denied any wrongdoing. BBC Afrique understands that they decided not to appeal, but are set to submit a request for a royal pardon to Morocco's King Mohammed VI.

Senegal's football federation (FSF) expressed "profound dismay and distress" at the verdicts, which were described as "incomprehensibly harsh" by Bacary Cisse, president of the FSF's communications committee.

Sonko said Morocco's handling of the case "does not honour" relations between the two countries, adding that Senegal had done "all it should" to secure their release.

He added that Senegal could, if necessary, activate a bilateral agreement allowing the mutual transfer of convicts in order to expedite the return of the 18 supporters.