Senegal's prime minister says it is "regrettable" that 18 people from the country have been handed prison sentences after being convicted of hooliganism offences related to disturbances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Last Thursday a court in the Moroccan capital handed out the prison sentences ranging from three months to one year and fines worth up to 5,000 dirhams ($545, £403). "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." He added that Senegal could, if necessary, activate a bilateral agreement allowing the mutual transfer of convicts in order to expedite the return of the 18 supporters.

Source: BBC February 24, 2026 21:28 UTC