Appeal judges reject defence requests as convictions linked to stadium violence stand
The Court of Appeal in Rabat has upheld prison sentences handed down to several Senegalese supporters arrested following disturbances during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco national football team and Senegal national football team.
The ruling confirms earlier decisions issued by the Rabat Court of First Instance, which had convicted 18 defendants over incidents that took place during the 2025 final. The sentences range from three months to one year in prison, alongside financial penalties determined according to the charges faced by each individual.
Clashes during high-profile final
The arrests were made after clashes broke out between some Senegalese fans and security personnel during the match. The disturbances occurred amid heightened tensions surrounding one of African football’s most significant fixtures.
According to reports by Al-Botola, the appeal proceedings involved extensive legal arguments from multiple parties, including defence teams representing the detained Senegalese supporters, a young Frenchman of Algerian origin also implicated in the case, and lawyers acting for civil claimants.
The Public Prosecution also presented its position during the hearings, addressing requests submitted by the defence and responding to arguments raised in court.
Defence calls for video evidence rejected
A key point of contention during the appeal centred on the defence’s request to review video footage of the incidents. Lawyers argued that examining recordings from the stadium would help establish the identities of those directly involved in the violence.
However, the Public Prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that the facts of the case had already been clearly established and that the sequence of events was sufficiently documented.
The court ultimately sided with the prosecution, declining to revisit the video evidence before issuing its decision.
Lengthy deliberations before final ruling
The appeal hearing was described as extensive, with the court reviewing submissions from all parties before reaching its verdict. Judges also considered arguments presented by the civil party, alongside the prosecution’s responses, before confirming the original rulings.
The decision marks the conclusion of the appeal stage, effectively affirming the earlier convictions and sentences imposed in February.
Background to initial verdict
The Rabat Court of First Instance had previously found 18 individuals guilty of offences linked to the unrest, issuing varying prison terms and fines. The penalties reflected the differing nature and severity of the charges brought against each defendant.
The incidents themselves formed part of wider concerns about crowd control and security at major sporting events, particularly during high-stakes matches such as continental finals.
legal process concludes amid broader concerns
The appellate court’s decision brings legal closure to the case, reinforcing the Moroccan judiciary’s stance on stadium-related violence. By upholding the original sentences, the court has signalled its commitment to addressing disorder linked to major sporting occasions.
The outcome also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by organisers and authorities in maintaining security during high-profile international fixtures, where large crowds and intense rivalries can sometimes lead to unrest.
