Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, has criticised a Moroccan court’s decision to jail 18 Senegalese football supporters over a pitch invasion during last month’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

The supporters were arrested in Morocco following the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal defeated the hosts 1–0. Authorities accused them of violence against security forces and causing damage after some fans attempted to storm the pitch and reportedly threw projectiles during the chaotic match.

On Thursday, February 19, a Moroccan court sentenced the 18 supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines of up to $545.

Reacting on Tuesday, February 24, while addressing parliament, Sonko expressed disappointment at how the case was handled. “It seems this matter goes beyond the realm of sport, and that is regrettable,” he said.

“For two countries that call each other friends, like Morocco and Senegal, things should not have gone this far,” the prime minister added. Sonko further stated that Morocco’s handling of the situation “does not honour” the longstanding relationship between the two nations. He said Senegal had taken all necessary steps to secure the release of its citizens.

The prime minister also indicated that Senegal could invoke a bilateral agreement that allows for the mutual transfer of convicted persons, if required, in an effort to resolve the matter.