Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Matar Sarr has publicly demanded the immediate release of 18 Senegalese football supporters detained in Morocco since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, as growing calls from players, officials and civil society intensify pressure on Moroccan authorities.
The 18 fans have been held in Morocco since January 18, 2026, the day of the AFCON final that Senegal won 1-0 against tournament hosts Morocco in extra time. The match descended into chaos during a 17-minute stoppage when a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco in extra time, sparking clashes between Senegalese supporters and riot police in the stands. Morocco subsequently missed the spot kick.
The detained fans allege that their arrests were unjust and complain that court proceedings have not been conducted in Wolof, their native language, despite repeated requests. Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, confirmed they launched a hunger strike to protest their conditions and demand a fair trial. Moroccan prison authorities, however, denied the hunger strike claim, stating that the inmates have been receiving regular meals throughout their detention.
Morocco World News reported that videos and photographs circulated online showing some Senegalese supporters engaged in hooliganism and vandalism during the final, including footage of one supporter using a chair to attack a security guard.
Defender Moussa Niakhaté added his voice to the campaign on Tuesday, relaying the Senegalese Football Federation’s (FSF) official statement on social media. The FSF said it is monitoring the situation closely and confirmed the Senegalese government is engaging directly with Moroccan authorities. The 18 fans are due to appear in court again on Thursday.
The AFCON fallout has already carried significant financial consequences. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined the two football associations a combined 914,000 dollars following the final. Senegal’s FSF received the larger portion for its side’s conduct and fan behaviour, while Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension and fined 72,000 dollars for instructing his players to leave the pitch after the penalty decision.
