The Rabat Criminal Court on Thursday began the trial of football supporters accused of taking part in violent disturbances during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Morocco and Senegal.
The defendants include 18 Senegalese nationals and one Algerian citizen, all arrested after clashes broke out at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium during the final played on Sunday, January 18.
Judicial authorities disclosed that the Senegalese supporters are facing multiple charges, including participation in violence at a sporting event, forceful pitch invasion, destruction of stadium facilities, assault on law enforcement officers, and throwing objects capable of causing harm.
The Algerian national is also being prosecuted on similar counts, including sports-related violence, damage to stadium equipment, assault on public security personnel, and throwing liquid substances that allegedly injured others during the disturbances.
Prosecutors confirmed that all suspects were ordered to remain in custody after appearing before the public prosecutor on Wednesday, following their arrest by judicial police in a coordinated security operation targeting 19 individuals connected to the unrest.
Although authorities have yet to release full details on the number of injuries or the extent of property damage, investigations are still ongoing as the court proceedings continue.
As of the time of filing this report, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not released an official response to the incident, and it remains unclear whether the governing body will open a separate disciplinary process related to the disturbances during the final.
The violent scenes marred what was meant to be the showpiece match of Africa’s biggest football tournament, prompting both judicial action and wider concern over crowd control at major fixtures.
