Senegal Fans Jailed in Morocco: Koulibaly Speaks Out

Senegal Captain Kalidou Koulibaly

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly condemns “harsh and unjust” sentences for fans jailed in Morocco after AFCON final pitch invasion.
18 Senegalese fans sentenced to prison in Morocco over AFCON final chaos, sparking diplomatic tensions.

Senegal's PM Ousmane Sonko calls for royal pardon as Koulibaly speaks out on...

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has spoken out, demanding the release of Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco after the AFCON final chaos. The supporters were arrested following scuffles during the match, which Senegal won 1-0, securing their second AFCON title.

Koulibaly expressed his support for the detained fans, stating they're “not walking alone” and that the entire nation is behind them. He's urged for their swift release, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and calm. The Senegalese Football Federation has also denounced the sentencing of the fans as “incomprehensibly harsh.”

The detained supporters face sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison, with fines up to $545. Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has called for intervention, saying the matter “goes beyond the realm of sport.”

18 Senegalese fans were arrested and sentenced after invading the pitch during the AFCON final. They were fined and given detention sentences ranging from 3 months to 1 year, as per Moroccan courts' rulings.

The fans' actions led to a chaotic scene, interrupting the match for over 15 minutes. Senegal's captain Kalidou Koulibaly has since demanded their release, saying they're “not walking alone” and urging calm.

The Senegalese government is working to resolve the issue, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko calling for intervention. The fans' sentences have sparked controversy, with some seeing them as “incomprehensibly harsh.”

The sentences handed down to the Senegalese supporters are:

• 9 people got 1 year in prison and a fine of approx. $1,361 each

• 6 people got 6 months in prison and a fine of approx. $544 each

• 3 people got 3 months in prison and a fine of approx. $326 each.

The Senegalese government is pushing for their release, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko saying the matter “goes beyond the realm of sport.” Koulibaly and the Senegalese Football Federation are also calling for their release.

⚠️🇸🇳 | Senegal responds.The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) has released an official statement addressing the situation of Senegalese supporters currently detained in Morocco.

The Federation confirmed that the matter is under close watch and that the Senegalese government is… pic.twitter.com/svjxMZJbq0

— EAst Afrikan축구⚽ (@Ayakire2025) February 18, 2026

Kalidou Koulibaly has broken his silence, condemning the Moroccan court's ruling and vowing to do everything possible to secure the detained fans' release. “They are not walking alone, we are with them,” he said, expressing his support for the Senegalese supporters.

Koulibaly's statement adds pressure on the Senegalese government to intervene, with the Prime Minister already calling for help in securing their release. The fans' families are anxiously waiting for a resolution.

‘We remain committed to supporting your families’

“You are not walking alone. Behind you is an entire nation. And by your side are your players, your brothers, united in dignity and patience,” said Koulibaly.

“Our only fight, our only hope, is to see you free and reunited with your families. Stay strong! We remain committed to supporting your families with heart and responsibility. And we are doing everything we can to ensure your freedom tomorrow. Free our supporters!”

“We did not want to politicise your situation. We did not want to further publicize an already sensitive matter. And, above all, we did not want to steal the spotlight in a struggle that had only one common goal: your release.”

“We have clearly understood our role: to act discreetly, to exchange information privately, to support the efforts, to remain united, to trust the diplomatic and legal channels.”

Koulibaly added: “We were sensitive to your situation from the very beginning. If we remained publicly silent, it was neither out of distance nor indifference, quite the contrary. We chose responsibility.

“We felt that, given the ongoing legal proceedings, it was essential to allow the State of Senegal, our authorities, and the competent bodies to conduct the necessary legal proceedings, without our statements or actions even unintentionally interfering negatively.”

Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the second time in their history after a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final

“We did not want to politicise your situation. We did not want to further publicize an already sensitive matter. And, above all, we did not want to steal the spotlight in a struggle that had only one common goal: your release."

“We have clearly understood our role: to act discreetly, to exchange information privately, to support the efforts, to remain united, to trust the diplomatic and legal channels.”

Senegal's Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has expressed disappointment and regret over the Moroccan court's decision to jail 18 Senegalese supporters for their involvement in pitch invasion and violence during the AFCON final. Sonko stated that the matter “goes beyond the realm of sport” and doesn't reflect the friendly relations between Morocco and Senegal.

He emphasized that Senegal had taken all necessary diplomatic steps to secure their release and is considering activating a bilateral agreement to transfer the convicted supporters to serve their sentences in Senegal. Sonko also appealed to the Moroccan king to grant a royal pardon.

“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.”

‘In our hearts, you remain victors’

Kalidou Koulibaly describes the fans' situation as “harsh and profoundly unjust,” emphasizing his support for their release. He's urging for calm and diplomacy to resolve the issue, while the Senegalese government works to bring them home.

“You were on a mission to support your team, your country, convinced of its strength and potential. The way the final in Rabat unfolded has placed you in a situation we consider harsh and profoundly unjust,” added the defender, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.

“But in our hearts, you remain victors. This continental trophy also bears your mark. It is a testament to your passion, your loyalty, and your patriotism.

“Today, we continue to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, with confidence in diplomacy, and with the hope that wisdom and a spirit of transcendence will lead to a swift and favourable outcome.”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has received a five-match suspension and a $100,000 fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the chaotic scenes at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco. Thiaw was found guilty of “unsporting conduct” and “bringing the game into disrepute” after instructing his players to leave the pitch in protest of a VAR-awarded penalty.

The suspension means Thiaw will miss five of the six 2027 AFCON qualifying matches, including the first two qualifiers. Additionally, Senegalese forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for “unsporting behaviour towards the referee.”