In a significant humanitarian gesture, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese football fans who were imprisoned following incidents of violence during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Rabat. The decision, announced via a royal court statement, highlights the longstanding fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal, especially in light of the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations. The king's pardon, described as being rooted in humanitarian considerations, comes as a relief to the fans who were facing prison sentences ranging from three months to a year for their involvement in the chaotic events of the match.
The AFCON final, which took place on January 18, initially saw Senegal emerge victorious with a 1-0 scoreline. However, the match was later overturned in favor of the host nation, Morocco, following an appeal. The controversy escalated when a penalty was awarded to Morocco during stoppage time, shortly after a goal by Senegal was disallowed. This led to unrest among Senegalese supporters, who attempted to rush the field and engaged in violent protests. In the aftermath of the match, Moroccan courts sentenced the detained Senegalese fans based largely on surveillance footage and medical reports concerning injured officials, with damages from the violence estimated at over 370,000 euros (approximately $430,000).
In mid-April, three of the detained fans were released after serving their three-month sentences, while the remaining 15 were still incarcerated with varying sentences between six months to one year. The royal pardon is anticipated to apply to these fans, and legal representative Patrick Kabou expressed optimism that they would be released shortly thereafter. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye publicly lauded the Moroccan king’s decision, expressing gratitude for the act of clemency which would allow the fans to reunite with their families. The ties between Morocco and Senegal extend beyond football, encompassing cooperation in various sectors such as tourism and energy, as well as deep-rooted religious connections.
As reported by channelstv.com.
