A group of Senegalese football supporters jailed in Morocco after the Africa Cup of Nations final descended into chaos over controversial calls returned home on Sunday, after being pardoned by the Moroccan king.
Issued on: 24/05/2026 - 12:13
2 min Reading time
King Mohammed VI granted the 15 men a pardon "on humanitarian grounds" on the occasion of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, Morocco's royal court said Saturday. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the group as they arrived at Dakar's international airport early on Sunday morning. "We're very happy to have them back on Senegalese soil," said Faye, dressed in a Senegal jersey and tracksuit. Thanking Moroccan authorities for the pardon, he pointedly hailed the Senegalese team as "two-time African champions" – even though the side has been stripped of the 2025 Cup of Nations title over the disruption to January's final, a decision Senegal has challenged.
Senegal supporters clash with security services after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco late on during the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco in Rabat, on 18 January 2026. © AP - Youssef Loulidi
