In a significant development following the tumultuous 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has issued a royal pardon to Senegalese football supporters who were imprisoned due to violent incidents during the match. This decision comes just in time for the Eid al-Adha celebrations, highlighting the ongoing fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal.
The announcement made by the Royal Cabinet on May 23, 2026, emphasized that the pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds. This gesture aims to alleviate tensions that escalated during the AFCON final held in January at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where chaos ensued following Morocco's late penalty award. Reports indicated that Senegalese players left the pitch in protest while some fans attempted to invade the field, prompting a significant interruption of the match.
Although Senegal initially triumphed with a 1-0 victory, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned this result, declaring Morocco the champions with a 3-0 win. This controversial decision ignited outrage in Senegal, leading the authorities to file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the issue remains unresolved.
In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year on charges related to violence during the event and vandalism. Prosecutors presented evidence, including surveillance footage and medical reports detailing injuries sustained by security personnel amidst the unrest, with damages estimated at over €370,000.
While three supporters had already completed their sentences and were released in April, the remaining fans were anticipated to benefit from the recent royal pardon. Lawyer Patrick Kabou, representing some of the jailed supporters, confirmed that the freed fans were expected to leave custody shortly after the announcement.
The aftermath of the contentious final has strained diplomatic relations between Morocco and Senegal, with concerns raised by human rights organizations regarding the increase in anti-Sub-Saharan rhetoric and hate speech aimed at African migrants and visitors in Morocco. Despite these tensions, officials from both nations have consistently urged for calm and have reiterated their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic cooperation.
As reported by saharareporters.com.
