In a significant gesture aimed at mending diplomatic relations, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to Senegalese football supporters who were imprisoned following the tumultuous events during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. This unexpected move comes in the wake of one of the most contentious matches in African football history, which has left lingering tensions between the two nations. The royal court’s announcement emphasized that the pardon was issued on "humanitarian grounds," underscoring the longstanding fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal, especially in light of the upcoming Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha.
The pardon is anticipated to facilitate the release of 15 Senegalese fans who have been incarcerated since the violent altercations that erupted after the AFCON final held in Rabat on January 18. The match itself was marred by chaos, primarily triggered by a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco in injury time. This decision ignited protests from both Senegalese players and supporters, leading to a temporary halt in the game that lasted for 14 minutes. Although Morocco failed to convert the penalty, Senegal managed to clinch a dramatic 1-0 victory shortly thereafter, which incited jubilant celebrations as well as confrontations within the Stade Moulay Abdellah.
In the aftermath of the match, Moroccan authorities took decisive action, arresting 18 Senegalese supporters due to the violence that ensued. The prosecution based its case on surveillance footage from the stadium and medical reports detailing injuries sustained by security personnel and stewards during the disturbances. Estimates indicated that the property damage caused by the unrest exceeded €370,000, approximately equivalent to $430,000. In February, Moroccan courts handed down prison sentences to the detained fans, ranging from three months to a year. While three supporters with shorter sentences were released in April after serving their time, the remaining 15 continued to face incarceration until the king's royal intervention.
Patrick Kabou, a lawyer representing several of the detained supporters, informed AFP that the supporters are expected to be released soon. The controversy surrounding the AFCON final has not dissipated, as in March, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially overturned Senegal's on-field victory and awarded a 3-0 win to Morocco, citing Senegal's violation of tournament rules by leaving the pitch during the match. Senegal has since lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although a definitive ruling may take up to a year, further extending a dispute that has already sparked significant debate in the realm of African football.
As reported by africa.businessinsider.com.
