Moroccan King Pardons 15 Senegalese AFCON Fans as President Faye Welcomes Their Return

Context: On January 18, Senegal faced Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final in Rabat. The match ended 0‑0 after regular time, but a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time sparked fan unrest. Senegalese supporters tried to storm the pitch, hurled projectiles, and clashed with security, leading to arrests. After the game, the Confederation of African Football initially awarded the title to Senegal, but an appeal reversed the decision, giving the trophy to Morocco. Senegal appealed that ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where the case remains pending. In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 supporters to prison terms ranging from three months to one year; three completed their three‑month terms and were released in mid‑April, leaving 15 still incarcerated.

Key Facts: King Mohammed VI granted a humanitarian pardon to the 15 remaining imprisoned fans on the occasion of Eid al‑Adha, citing the age‑old fraternal ties between the two nations. The Moroccan royal court emphasized that the pardon was issued “on humanitarian grounds” and in view of the “age‑old fraternal ties” between the nations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said he was “very happy to have them back on Senegalese soil” and thanked the Moroccan authorities for the clemency. According to Moroccan prosecutors, the violence resulted in material damage estimated at over 370,000 euros, roughly $430,000, based on stadium footage and medical reports for injured officers.

What It Means: The pardon eases a diplomatic strain that had risen after the disputed final, though the underlying title dispute remains unresolved at CAS. Both countries continue to cooperate in tourism, energy, and religious spheres, and Senegalese nationals form the largest expatriate community in Morocco. Observers will watch whether the CAS ruling, expected later this year, influences further gestures of goodwill or reignites tensions. The next development to monitor is the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s decision on the AFCON title, which could shape future bilateral engagements.