Moroccan King Mohammed VI has granted a humanitarian royal pardon to 15 Senegalese football supporters who were jailed following violent clashes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
The detainees were released and allowed to return to Senegal on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The fans were arrested after a pitch invasion and stadium disturbances during the January 18 final between Morocco and Senegal at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Eighteen supporters originally received prison terms ranging from three months to one year in February, with 15 remaining incarcerated until the royal decree.
The public prosecutor's office stated that the charges relied heavily on stadium camera footage and medical certificates for injured security staff.
Property damage from the stadium violence was officially estimated at over 370,000 euros, or approximately $430,000.
Match Controversy and Diplomatic Resolution
The conflict erupted after Morocco was awarded an injury-time penalty, prompting Senegal's squad to walk off the pitch for several minutes in protest.
Although Senegal eventually won the match 1-0, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the championship title due to Senegal's walkout.
The released supporters arrived at Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar at approximately 1:00 a. m.
local time on Sunday, where they were received by state officials and family members.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye stated: "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 Pardon that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has chosen to grant them on the occasion of Eid al-Adha."
President Faye expressed his gratitude for the diplomatic resolution, which coincides with the upcoming Islamic holiday celebrated in Morocco.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe said: "On behalf of the CAF Member Associations who represent 54 African countries, I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025."
Dr. Motsepe noted that the decision highlighted the diplomatic relations between the two West and North African nations.
The Royal Office of Morocco stated: "Through this High Decision, His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him, attests to the depth of the strong bonds of friendship, fraternity and cooperation uniting the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal."
The statement from the royal court noted that the decision was made ahead of Eid al-Adha to reflect bilateral solidarity.
"This pardon further reflects the enduring cardinal values underpinning the Moroccan identity, foremost among them clemency, benevolence, generosity and the spirit of tolerance," the Royal Office of Morocco added.
The Senegalese Football Federation has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland to contest the overturned tournament result, a legal process that could take up to a year to resolve.
