Royal Pardon for Senegalese Supporters Amidst Tensions
On May 24, 2026, a group of Senegalese supporters, who had been imprisoned following violent incidents during the CAN-2025 final in Rabat earlier that year, returned to Senegal after being granted a royal pardon by King Mohammed VI of Morocco. This decision was made in light of longstanding fraternal relations between Morocco and Senegal, coinciding with the upcoming celebration of Eid al-Adha, as stated in a royal communiqué released on Saturday. The King’s gesture was described as a compassionate act, reflecting the deep ties between the two nations.
The incidents leading to this pardon unfolded during the Africa Cup of Nations final held on January 18, where Senegal triumphed over Morocco with a score of 1-0 in a match marked by chaos. Tensions escalated when a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco during stoppage time, shortly after a goal by Senegal was disallowed. This led to a mass exodus of Senegalese players from the pitch while some supporters attempted to storm the field, resulting in confrontations with law enforcement and subsequent arrests.
Return and Reconciliation
In February, Moroccan authorities sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for charges including hooliganism and violence against police during the match. These supporters had been detained since the incident, and the royal pardon granted on Saturday specifically addressed the remaining 15 supporters still incarcerated, highlighting efforts to mend the frayed relations between Rabat and Dakar.
Upon their arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diamniadio, the supporters were warmly welcomed by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who expressed joy at their return and reinforced the notion that the Senegalese national team, known as the Lions, is the rightful champions of Africa, despite ongoing disputes surrounding the title. President Faye also extended gratitude to Moroccan authorities for the pardon, which came ahead of the celebration of Tabaski.
This gesture of goodwill was commended by Patrice Motsepe, President of the African Football Confederation (CAF), who viewed it as a powerful testament to football's ability to unite people across Africa and beyond. The legal actions against the supporters had primarily relied on stadium footage and medical reports from injured police officers, with damages estimated at over €370,000.
In a previous visit to Rabat, former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko voiced concerns regarding the rising tensions, indicating that such incidents were regrettable between two nations that consider themselves friends. In response to the unrest, King Mohammed VI expressed sorrow over the unfortunate events during the final but remained optimistic about restoring African unity once the passions had cooled.
Following the chaotic finale, CAF imposed disciplinary sanctions on both national federations for unsporting behavior and violations of fair play principles. Moreover, in March, the confederation controversially stripped Senegal of their title, awarding it to Morocco instead, a decision that led Senegal to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Senegal and Morocco have historically maintained strong ties, cooperating across various sectors such as tourism, energy, training, infrastructure, and transport. Additionally, Senegalese nationals constitute the largest foreign community in Morocco, comprising 18.4% of the expatriate population, according to the High Commission for Planning (HCP).
As reported by boursorama.com.
