The King of Morocco pardons Senegalese fans imprisoned for humanitarian reasons

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to Senegalese fans jailed after violence during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.

The decision was announced in a statement from the royal court, which said the pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds and in recognition of the long-standing relations between Morocco and Senegal, as well as the Eid al-Adha celebrations.

Fans were arrested following riots during the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco on 18 January 2025.

The riots reportedly followed a late penalty awarded to Morocco and a disallowed goal to Senegal, which led to some fans attempting to storm the pitch and throwing objects.

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to a year. Three of them were released in April after serving their sentences, while 15 others remained in custody until the royal pardon.