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.
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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.
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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.
