Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 15 Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, citing “humanitarian reasons.”
The pardon was announced Saturday in a statement from the royal court, which said the decision was made “in view of the age-old fraternal ties” between Morocco and Senegal and ahead of Eid al-Adha, to be celebrated Wednesday in Morocco.
The fans were among 18 Senegalese supporters arrested and later sentenced in February to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for hooliganism-related offenses. The charges included violence against security forces, throwing objects, damaging stadium infrastructure, and attempting to invade the pitch during the chaotic final on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The match, which Senegal initially won 1-0, was later awarded to Morocco on appeal after a penalty was given to the hosts in stoppage time and a Senegal goal was disallowed. Senegalese fans reacted by trying to storm the pitch and hurling projectiles, according to the public prosecutor’s office. The charges were based on stadium camera footage and medical certificates for injured officers and stewards. Material damage was estimated at more than €370,000 ($430,000).
Three of the supporters were released in mid-April after completing their three-month sentences. The remaining 15 were expected to be released late Saturday under the royal pardon.
Lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented many of the defendants, told AFP the release was expected to take place Saturday evening. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the decision on X, saying, “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.” He thanked King Mohammed VI for a decision “imbued with clemency and humanity.”
Senegal has appealed the Confederation of African Football’s decision to award the title to Morocco to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
