Accra, Ghana — In a turn of events amidst the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Senegal and Morocco, three Senegalese football fans were released from Moroccan prison following their detention during the controversial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on January 18, 2026.
The trio, part of a group of 18 Senegalese nationals charged with ‘hooliganism’after disturbances that followed the match, were freed from Al Arjat 2 prison in Salé, Morocco.
The remaining 15 Senegalese fans are currently serving sentences ranging from six months to one year.
The Senegalese government, alongside defense lawyer Patrick Kabou, is actively pursuing the release of the remaining detainees, including the possibility of seeking a royal pardon. This latest development has reignited discussions on the strained relations between the two nations.
According to reports, the release of the three fans and the continued detention of others underscore the complex relationship between Senegal and Morocco.
The defense has argued that many fans entered the pitch to avoid a dangerous crowd surge rather than to protest, offering a contrasting narrative of the events.
The AFCON, a biennial football tournament among African national teams, saw its 2025 edition marred by violence following the final match.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) subsequently awarded the match to Morocco as a 3-0 forfeit.
As the situation unfolds, the release of the three fans represents a small step towards resolving the issue, but the fate of the remaining detainees remains uncertain.
The Senegalese government’s negotiations and the potential for a royal pardon could prove pivotal in resolving this diplomatic and sporting dispute.
*Additional reporting by ImNews*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Sarah Miansoni
