Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 18 Senegalese football supporters who had been imprisoned for hooliganism during the tumultuous Africa Cup of Nations final.
The fans were sentenced in February to jail terms of up to one year for offences such as vandalising sports facilities and engaging in violence during a sporting event. A few of them had already served their sentences before the pardon was announced.
According to the Royal Cabinet, the decision was made on “humanitarian grounds” and in recognition of “the deep and longstanding brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal.” The pardon was issued to coincide with the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha.
“In view of the enduring fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has, for humanitarian reasons, graciously extended a royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences committed during the Africa Cup of Nations competitions,” the Royal Cabinet stated on Saturday.
The controversy originated from the January final, when some Senegalese fans attempted to invade the pitch after a late penalty was awarded to host nation Morocco. The decision led to protests from players and disruptions in the stands.
King Mohammed VI cited “humanitarian reasons” for his decision, which coincided with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
Senegal went on to win the match 1-0, securing the championship trophy.
However, in an extraordinary move, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped Senegal of the title and named Morocco as the champion — a decision that Senegal promptly appealed.
The heated final and its aftermath led senior officials from both nations to urge calm, particularly amid what Moroccan human rights groups described as a rise in “hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents.” In the weeks following the incident, Morocco and Senegal reaffirmed their commitment to friendly relations and signed new agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries.
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