Senegal’s lottery operator donates 18m FCFA to support detained football fans in Morocco
Each supporter will receive 1m FCFA (€1,524) to support themselves and their families while in detention.
Senegal.- Senegal’s national lottery operator, LONASE, has donated 18m FCFA (€27,440) to assist 18 Senegalese football fans detained in Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations. The fans were arrested in Rabat following unrest during the AFCON final, in which Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time.
On February 19, a court in Rabat sentenced them on charges of violence, damage to stadium property and attempted pitch invasion. Sentences ranged from three months to one year in prison, with fines of up to 5,000 dirhams (€500). Nine supporters received one-year sentences, six received six months and three were sentenced to three months.
The funds will be disbursed via Fondation LONASE, with each supporter receiving 1m FCFA (€1,524) to support them and their families while in detention.
LONASE Director General Dr. Toussaint Manga stated in the organisation’s communiqué: “In this blessed month of Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians, LONASE, true to its slogan ‘Fortune to the subscribers, benefits to the Nation’, has decided to provide financial support to our compatriots in difficulty.”
The detained fans, many of whom are ordinary supporters who travelled to back the national team, have reported difficult conditions. They began a hunger strike in early February to protest the lack of Wolof translation during proceedings and to demand fair treatment. Recent reports from family members indicate the men are physically stable and have not faced mistreatment, although the emotional strain remains significant.
In Senegal, families have struggled with uncertainty, prompting protests in Dakar where people marched to demand the supporters’ release. Support groups have highlighted ongoing needs for food, clothing and other essentials.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressed the case in parliament, expressing regret over the sentences and stating that they do not reflect the traditionally friendly relations between Senegal and Morocco. He confirmed that diplomatic discussions are ongoing, including the possibility of a pardon from King Mohammed VI or a transfer to allow the men to serve their sentences in Senegal. The Senegalese Football Federation described the verdicts as “incomprehensibly harsh” and said it would continue monitoring the situation.
LONASE’s contribution demonstrates how lottery revenues can be applied practically, complementing the organisation’s expanding social spending on community projects and emergency aid in recent years.
