AFCON Fans Face Jail Time: Senegal's PM Slams Morocco Court Decision

Senegal fans express frustration in the stands as Morocco is awarded a penalty after VAR review during the AFCON final

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko slams Moroccan court's prison sentences for 18 Senegalese football fans over AFCON pitch invasion.

Morocco sentences Senegalese AFCON fans to jail, sparking diplomatic tensions...

Senegal's Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has criticized a Moroccan court's decision to sentence 18 Senegalese football fans to prison for their involvement in a pitch invasion during the AFCON final. The fans were accused of violence against security forces and causing damage, and were handed sentences ranging from three months to one year in jail, along with fines of up to $545.

Sonko expressed disappointment, stating that the matter “goes beyond the realm of sport” and that Morocco's handling of the case “does not honour” relations between the two countries. He added that Senegal had done “all it should” to secure their release and hinted at activating a bilateral agreement to transfer convicts.

A Senegal court sentenced individuals involved in a case to jail terms ranging from three months to one year and fines of up to $545 on Thursday. Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko expressed disappointment, saying, “It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” highlighting concerns about the case's implications.

The court's decision has sparked discussion, with Sonko's comments suggesting the case may have broader implications beyond sports. 

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

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticized Morocco's handling of the case, saying it “does not honour” relations between the two countries. He added that Senegal had done “all it should” to secure the release of the detained fans.

Sonko mentioned that Senegal could activate a bilateral agreement allowing the mutual transfer of convicts if needed. The tensions stem from the AFCON final where Senegal won 1-0, but the match was marred by chaos, including pitch invasions and projectiles thrown by supporters.