Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned the Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat for “humanitarian reasons”, a royal court statement has confirmed. It said that in view “of the age-old fraternal ties” between the two countries “and on the occasion of the advent of Eid al-Adha”, the king has granted, on humanitarian grounds, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters. The Muslim holiday will be celebrated on Wednesday in Morocco.
In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters held in Morocco since the final to prison terms ranging from three months to a year. Three were released from jail in mid-April after completing their three-month sentence. Following that release, another 15 Senegalese fans remained incarcerated after receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year. The royal pardon is expected to apply to those 15.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the charges were based mainly on footage from cameras at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and on medical certificates for injured law enforcement officers and stewards. Material damage from the violence was estimated at more than 370,000 euros (approximately $430,000).
The 18 fans were jailed following a pitch invasion that followed the awarding of a penalty to Morocco in injury time of the final on January 18.
Reacting to the release of the Senegalese supports , the President of Senegal M. Bassirou Diomaye Faye thanked the king’s initiative when he posted on « X » platform these words:« 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, thanks to the Royal Grace that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has granted them on the occasion of Eid el-Kebir. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Her Majesty for this decision, which was marked by clemency and humanity. Senegal and Morocco cultivate an ancient fraternity, which this gesture, once again, honors. Eid Mubarak to His Majesty the King and to all the Moroccan people».