AFCON 2025: 19 individuals prosecuted, including an Algerian national

Nineteen individuals remain in detention following incidents linked to the final. Among them is an Algerian national, while the other eighteen are of Senegalese origin. A judicial source confirmed this information to Médias24.

The individuals were arrested following acts of violence during the sports event. Their first hearing took place on January 22 at the Rabat Court of First Instance. The next session is scheduled for January 29, 2026.

Unconfirmed rumor about a family link

For several days, rumors have circulated on social media about a possible family link between the Algerian national in question and the assistant to the Senegalese coach, Pape Thiaw. At this stage, no official confirmation has substantiated this information.

So far, judicial authorities have offered no proof to back up such a connection.

What is certain is that the 19 individuals will have to answer, each according to their level of involvement, to several charges linked to the violence during the sports events. The charges include:

• Accessing the playing field during a sports match by force
• Participation in violent acts during a sports match
• Damage to sports equipment during a match
• Intentionally throwing solid projectiles causing harm to others
• Acts of violence against law enforcement

These charges fall under the specific provisions of Law 09-09, amending the Penal Code.

What the law says

Accessing a sports venue without authorization — particularly by force or by bypassing security measures — constitutes a criminal offense. Under Article 308-9 of Law 09-09, offenders face prison terms of between one and three months and/or fines when the intrusion involves dangerous objects or disrupts public order.

Participation in violent acts during or in connection with a sports event is also punishable under Article 308-2 of the Penal Code. The provision establishes prison sentences ranging from 3 months to 2 years, as well as fines between 1,200 and 10,000 DH, or either of these penalties alone.

The text covers violence, assaults, injuries, and any other violent actions committed during or around the sports event, including during its public broadcast.

Damaging or destroying equipment in stadiums and sports facilities is subject to specific penalties. Under Article 308-7, offenders face prison terms of 2 to 6 months and fines ranging from 1,200 to 10,000 DH, or either of these penalties alone, when sports property is damaged by any means.

A long-awaited bill on sports-related crime

Almost a year ago, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi announced that a bill was being prepared to address crime related to sports events. The legislation was intended to strengthen the existing legal framework in response to rising stadium violence. To date, however, the bill has not materialized.

However, one concrete measure has been implemented: The establishment of judicial offices within stadiums.

The Ministry of Justice has set up these offices in close coordination with the Public Prosecutor's Office and the General Directorate of National Security. Their mission is to swiftly address offenses committed during sports events. Nevertheless, these structures are limited to handling minor cases.