The LONASE Foundation, a Senegalese philanthropic organization, has disbursed 18 million CFA francs (approximately 27,450 euros) in financial aid to the families of Senegalese football supporters who have been detained in Morocco. The supporters were arrested in the aftermath of a Champions League match between Wydad Casablanca and Senegal's AS Douanes in May 2022.
According to reports from Senegalese media, including Dakaractu, the foundation's president, El Hadji Malick Gakou, presented the aid to family representatives in Dakar. The funds are intended to support the families as they continue to seek the release of their relatives, who have been held for nearly four years.
The case stems from incidents following the second leg of the CAF Champions League quarter-final on May 7, 2022. Moroccan authorities arrested dozens of Senegalese fans on charges including vandalism and violence. While some were released after several months, a group remains imprisoned, with their sentences reportedly ranging up to three years.
Senegalese civil society groups and the families have consistently called for the fans' repatriation, describing them as unfairly treated. The LONASE Foundation's donation highlights the ongoing domestic concern over the protracted legal situation facing the detained supporters.
