AFCON 2025 in Morocco: 529 Security Interventions, 202 Referred to Judicial Authorities
A joint statement issued by the Ministry of Justice, the Public Prosecution Office, and the General Directorate of National Security revealed the outcomes of the judicial offices established at stadiums during the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, hosted by Morocco between December 21, 2025, and January 18, 2026. According to the statement, 529 security interventions were recorded, leading to 202 individuals being referred to judicial offices for various violations committed within the scope of the tournament.
The statement indicated that among the security interventions, 307 cases involved identity verification, directly coordinated with the relevant judicial authorities. Attempts to enter stadiums without tickets were also detected (68 cases), along with the use of forged tickets (17 cases), drug-related offenses (16 cases), and the possession of fireworks (20 cases). Additionally, five bladed weapons and two canisters of tear gas spray were seized. A total of 396 individuals suspected of involvement in ticket scalping via social media were apprehended and subsequently faced legal action.
The statement further clarified that judicial offices processed 152 criminal procedures. Out of these, 82 cases were prosecuted in court, 56 procedures resulted in reconciliation fines, two cases were dismissed, and investigations are ongoing for 12 others. Moroccans accounted for 79.2% of the individuals presented, while foreigners represented 20.8%. The most frequently recorded violations were fraudulent entry or attempted entry into the stadium, making up 25.48% of cases, followed by ticket scalping at 10.96%, and unauthorized entry onto the pitch at 7.46%.
The statement also affirmed that the practical experience demonstrated the Moroccan judicial and security system's capacity for swift response to incidents, ensuring the application of law while respecting rights and freedoms. This, it concluded, reflects the successful organization and high-level security of the tournament.
