Kalidou Koulibaly has spoken out, calling for the release of 18 Senegalese fans who were held in Morocco after some trouble broke out during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Senegal won 1-0 against Morocco to claim their second AFCON title, but the game was stopped for more than 15 minutes because of protests about the referee’s calls. During the chaos, some fans ran onto the pitch and were later arrested by Moroccan authorities.
The supporters were later sentenced to prison terms that ranged from three months up to a year and were also fined. Nine people got one-year sentences and were fined 5,000 dirhams each. Six others got six-month terms with 2,000 dirhams fines, and three were given three months along with fines of 1,200 dirhams.
Koulibaly finally spoke up and said the players should stand solidly with the fans who are being held. You’re not walking alone. He said, “Behind you is an entire nation,” promising to keep supporting their families as diplomatic talks go on.
Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko also spoke out against how harsh the sentences were, calling the situation unfortunate between two friendly countries.
Koulibaly made it clear that the team stayed away from turning the issue into a political one, but they’re still dedicated to making sure the supporters get their freedom through the proper channels.
