Morocco jailed 17 Senegalese fans following fan riots during the African Cup of Nations final in January.
Published May 23, 2026
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned Senegalese football supporters who were assaulted and jailed during the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat on “humanitarian grounds,” a statement from the Royal Court confirmed.
The newspaper said that in view of the “long-standing ties of friendship” between the two countries, the king “granted a royal pardon to Senegal’s supporters on humanitarian grounds” “on the occasion of the arrival of Eid al-Adha”.
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Morocco celebrates an Islamic holiday on Wednesday.
In February, a Moroccan court sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco since the final to between three months and one year in prison. The three were released in mid-April after completing their three-month sentences. Following his release, 15 more Senegalese fans remained in prison, receiving sentences ranging from six months to one year. The royal pardon is expected to apply to these 15 people.
Patrick Kabou, a lawyer representing many of the Senegalese, told AFP they were expected to be released later on Saturday.
Prosecutors said the charges were based primarily on footage from cameras at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium and medical reports from injured law enforcement officers and stewards. The property damage caused by the violence is estimated at more than 370,000 euros (approximately $430,000).
18 fans were jailed for invading the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the final on 18 January.
The match was suspended for 14 minutes, and Senegal’s players and staff left the field in protest of the decision. When the match resumed, Morocco missed a penalty, but Senegal won 1-0 in stoppage time.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the continent’s soccer governing body, reversed the decision on March 17, giving Morocco a 3-0 victory and the North African team winning the match.
CAF supported a complaint by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, claiming that Senegal had breached competition rules by leaving the venue.
Senegal has filed its own appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but it could take up to a year for the Swiss-based body to issue a decision.
