The Senegalese fans were convicted of hooliganism during the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned the Senegal supporters convicted of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations soccer final, which his country hosted earlier this year, the royal palace said on Saturday.
Eighteen Senegal fans were sentenced in April to terms of three months to a year on hooliganism-related charges, although some have already left prison after serving their sentences.
The charges included violence against security forces, throwing objects, damaging stadium infrastructure and trying to invade the pitch after VAR awarded a penalty to Morocco.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has thanked the Moroccan king for the gesture saying it highlights the historical ties between the two countries.
‘‘Our compatriots who were detained in Morocco following the incidents that occurred on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations are now free. They will soon be reunited with their loved ones, thanks to the Royal Grace that His Majesty King Mohammed VI has graciously granted them on the occasion of Eid al-Adha,’’ Faye said on X.
‘‘I extend to His Majesty my most sincere thanks for this decision, imbued with clemency and humanity. Senegal and Morocco cherish an ancient brotherhood, which this gesture, once again, comes to honour,’’ he added.
‘Human considerations’
Senegal walked off in protest but returned after 14 minutes. Morocco missed the penalty and Senegal won the final 1-0.
In March, two months after the match in Rabat, Morocco were declared Africa Cup of Nations champions and Senegal were stripped of the title after the North Africans' appeal over the result was upheld by the Confederation of African Football.
Senegal have appealed that decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, sport's highest court.
Morocco's pardon for the Senegal supporters was granted for "human considerations" ahead of Eid Al Adha celebrations and “in view of the long-standing fraternal relation” between the two nations, the palace of the Moroccan king said in a statement.
