Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has issued a royal pardon for Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
A royal court statement said the decision was taken on “humanitarian grounds” and reflects the “age-old fraternal ties” between Morocco and Senegal.
The pardon also comes as Morocco prepares to celebrate Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, a major Muslim holiday marked by themes of mercy and reconciliation.
The supporters were arrested after the January 18 final between Senegal and Morocco, which was marred by chaotic scenes and crowd unrest.
Tensions escalated after a late penalty for Morocco and a disallowed Senegal goal, triggering attempts to storm the pitch and throw projectiles.
Moroccan courts later sentenced 18 Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year in February.
Three supporters were released in April after completing shorter sentences, while 15 others remained in custody until the royal intervention.
Lawyer Patrick Kabou said the remaining detainees were expected to be released late Saturday following the pardon decision.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the move, saying the fans would soon reunite with their families in a spirit of relief.
He thanked King Mohammed VI for what he described as a decision “imbued with clemency and humanity” in a post on X.
Authorities said the convictions relied on stadium camera footage, medical reports, and evidence of damage estimated at over 370,000 euros.
Football governing bodies had also sanctioned both federations for unsporting behaviour following the heated and controversial match.
The broader dispute over the tournament outcome later moved to arbitration after administrative rulings sparked further legal appeals.
Despite tensions, Morocco and Senegal maintain strong ties across tourism, energy cooperation, and shared religious and cultural connections.
The Senegalese community remains the largest foreign population in Morocco, underscoring deep social links between the two West African nations.