Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has issued a royal pardon for Senegalese football supporters jailed after chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, in a dramatic move that could ease tensions between the two countries months after one of African football’s most controversial matches.
A statement from Morocco’s royal court said the pardon was granted on “humanitarian grounds” and reflected the “age-old fraternal ties” between Morocco and Senegal ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
The decision is expected to secure the release of 15 Senegalese supporters who remained behind bars following violence that erupted after the AFCON final in Rabat on January 18.
The match descended into chaos after officials awarded Morocco a late penalty in injury time, triggering protests from Senegal’s players and supporters. Senegal’s team temporarily walked off the pitch, forcing a 14-minute suspension before play resumed.
Morocco ultimately missed the penalty, but Senegal went on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory moments later, sparking wild celebrations and confrontations inside Rabat’s Stade Moulay Abdellah.
