The fallout from the CAN 2025 final continues to generate significant friction. Following a polarizing ruling by the Confédération africaine de football (CAF) appeal board on March 17, which granted Maroc a 3-0 forfeit win despite Sénégal winning 1-0 on the pitch, the Fédération sénégalaise (FSF) has escalated the dispute to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).
At the same time, another sensitive legal situation is unfolding. This involves 18 Sénégal fans facing hooliganism charges related to the events of the final on January 18. Originally sentenced in February to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, their cases were reviewed during an appeal hearing in Rabat this Monday.
Reports from the hearing indicate that those currently serving three-month terms might be eligible for release as early as this Saturday. Throughout the proceedings, the defendants have maintained their innocence. Conversely, the prosecution has called for more severe punishments, suggesting sentences of up to two years. The fans are accused of various offenses, including pitch invasion, throwing objects, and acts of violence against security personnel.
« Mistakes were made »
The defense team presented a contrasting narrative of the events. They argued that the supporters were forced onto the field due to a dangerous surge in the crowd or to avoid being hit by spit and flying debris, rather than as an act of protest against the officiating. Defense lawyer Patrick Kabou emphasized that errors occurred and suggested that the individuals truly responsible for the chaos are currently in Sénégal and not among those on trial.
The hearing also featured a significant procedural dispute. The defense requested that video footage of the incidents be played in court to verify the identities of the accused. However, the prosecution denied this request, citing the nature of the offenses as flagrant délit and stating that the entire world had already witnessed the distressing scenes during the live broadcast.
