AFCON: Morocco’s King Grants Pardon to Imprisoned Senegalese Football Fans on Humanitarian Grounds

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to the Senegalese football supporters imprisoned after the violent incidents at the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat, citing humanitarian reasons, according to a royal court statement issued Saturday.

The statement highlighted the age-old fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal and noted that the pardon was issued on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. The Muslim holiday will be celebrated on Wednesday in Morocco.

The AFCON final on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0, was later awarded to host nation Morocco after an appeal. The match descended into chaos when a Moroccan penalty was awarded in stoppage time, just after a Senegal goal was disallowed. In response, Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch and threw projectiles.

Eighteen Senegalese supporters were detained after the incident and sentenced in February to prison terms ranging from three months to a year. Three were released in mid-April, having completed their sentences, while the remaining 15 were expected to benefit from the king’s pardon. According to lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented many of the supporters, their release was anticipated late Saturday.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the Moroccan king’s decision, stating on X that, “Our compatriots detained in Morocco following the incidents that occurred on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations are free. They will soon be reunited with their loved ones.” Faye expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for a gesture “imbued with clemency and humanity.”

The charges against the Senegalese supporters were reportedly based on stadium surveillance footage and medical records of injured law enforcement and stewards. The violence caused material damage estimated at over 370,000 euros (about $430,000).

Both national football federations faced disciplinary sanctions from the Confederation of African Football for unsporting conduct and breaches of fair play. After Morocco was awarded the 2025 AFCON by administrative ruling in March, Senegal appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Morocco and Senegal share long-standing cooperation in areas such as tourism and energy, underpinned by strong religious and cultural ties. Senegalese nationals form the largest foreign community in Morocco.