Media reports indicate that the fan riots during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco caused substantial material damage.
Although no fatalities were recorded from the riots carried out by Senegal fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, the financial losses reached extremely high figures.
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Reports confirmed that following the clashes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between the national teams of Morocco and Senegal, which ended with the “Lions of Teranga” claiming the title, preliminary estimates point to severe losses. The damage inflicted by Senegalese fans on seats, screens, and furniture amounts to seven hundred thousand euros. It is noted that these estimates do not include the equipment of journalists who were covering the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations emerging from colonialism and is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament is held every two years and has grown to become a major global sporting event.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the historic medinas of Fez and Marrakech, reflect this diverse heritage and its role as a crossroads of civilizations.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance as a center of the transatlantic slave trade, exemplified by the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gorée Island. It gained independence from France in 1960 and is renowned for its tradition of Teranga (hospitality), vibrant music like mbalax, and its role as a hub of Islamic scholarship in cities such as Touba.
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is a major sports venue in Rabat, Morocco, named after Prince Moulay Abdellah, the brother of King Hassan II. It was originally constructed in 1983 and later renovated to host the 2019 African Games, serving as a key site for football matches and athletic events.
Rabat
Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, founded in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliphate as a ribat (fortified monastery). It is now a modern administrative center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for historic landmarks like the Hassan Tower and the well-preserved Chellah necropolis.
CAF Disciplinary Committee
The CAF Disciplinary Committee is the judicial body of the Confederation of African Football, responsible for enforcing regulations and adjudicating disciplinary matters within African football. It was established under the CAF Statutes to handle cases such as misconduct by clubs, national associations, officials, and players during competitions.
Luka Zidane
Luka Zidane is a French professional footballer, not a place or cultural site. He is the son of legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane and, as a goalkeeper, has played for clubs including Real Madrid Castilla and Rayo Majadahonda.
Algerian Federation
The Algerian Federation refers to the French colonial administrative structure established in 1902, which consolidated control over the territories of Algeria. It was part of France’s effort to integrate Algeria as a department, a policy that faced significant resistance and culminated in the Algerian War of Independence.
Lions of Teranga
The “Lions of Teranga” is the popular nickname for the Senegal national football team, inspired by the country’s national animal and the Wolof concept of “Teranga,” meaning hospitality. The team has a significant history, most notably winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2022 and consistently being a top African side since the 2000s.
