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In a statement on Saturday evening, Senegalese President Bassiro Diomaye Faye addressed the ongoing issue of Senegalese fans detained in Morocco after the Africa Cup of Nations final. He emphasized that Senegal had exhausted all avenues to secure their release, but the Moroccan stance remained unchanged.
Faye asserted, «It would be wrong to think we haven't done enough for our fans detained in Morocco. They have my full support. We all saw what happened. Unfortunately, it occurred in a country with its own laws and judiciary. We've appointed a lawyer to defend them. As you know, we simply can't just board a plane and free them; that's impossible.»
«We tried to prevent their conviction, and I believe our diplomatic efforts were thorough. While we must respect the judiciary of other nations, the sentences handed down are harsh and unfair. Typically, such cases result in fines, stadium bans, or suspended sentences, but this situation has escalated beyond a sports issue. There are limits to what we can do», he added.
Faye further explained, «After the sentences were issued, we chose not to appeal to reassure the Moroccan authorities and expedite the process. To our surprise, it was Morocco that initiated the appeal, prolonging the proceedings.»
The Senegalese president disclosed that he had written to King Mohammed VI, stating, «I congratulated him on organizing the Africa Cup. Aside from the final events, the organization was commendable, and this deserves recognition. I also acknowledged the warm reception Senegal received, at least until the final. Senegal and Morocco share strong ties that should be preserved.»
He concluded, «I requested a pardon from the King of Morocco for our fans. We've engaged in mediations with various parties and worked on judicial and diplomatic fronts through the embassy, even on a religious level. But if all these efforts don't yield results, what more can we do? What haven't we done to secure the release of our fans? If there's something more, let us know.»
In April, the Rabat Court of Appeals upheld the initial sentences against 18 Senegalese fans arrested during the Africa Cup of Nations final events.
The court sentenced these fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year, although three were released the same month after serving their sentences.
