Morocco king pardons jailed Senegal football fans for ‘humanitarian reasons’

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has issued a royal pardon to Senegalese football supporters who were imprisoned after violence erupted during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. A royal court statement released on Saturday confirmed the decision was made for "humanitarian reasons."

The pardon also takes into account the "age-old fraternal ties" between Morocco and Senegal and coincides with the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The chaotic final match, which Senegal initially won 1-0 before it was controversially awarded to hosts Morocco on appeal, saw Senegalese fans attempt to storm the pitch and hurl projectiles.

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granted, on humanitarian grounds, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to a year. While three had already been released after serving their minimum sentences in mid-April, 15 remained incarcerated. The royal pardon is expected to lead to the release of these remaining fans.

The violence at the stadium resulted in significant material damage, estimated at over 370,000 euros (around $430,000). Charges against the supporters were largely based on stadium camera footage and medical reports detailing injuries to law enforcement officers and stewards.

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view of the age-old fraternal ties