Senegalese football fans, who had been imprisoned following disturbances during the CAN 2025 final in Rabat this past January, have now returned to Senegal. Their release came on Sunday morning after King Mohammed VI of Morocco granted them a royal pardon on Saturday, citing “humanitarian considerations.”
The Senegalese supporters, incarcerated after the violent incidents that marred the CAN 2025 final in Rabat in January, made their way back to Senegal on Sunday morning. This homecoming follows a royal pardon issued by King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Saturday.
A statement from the royal cabinet on Saturday explained the monarch’s decision: “Given the centuries-old fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha,” which is to be celebrated in Morocco on Wednesday, the King “graciously decided, for humanitarian considerations, to grant his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters.”
“Champions of Africa for the second time”
The football enthusiasts arrived overnight at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diamniadio, located on the outskirts of Dakar. They were met by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and officials from the Senegalese Football Federation. Addressing journalists while dressed in sportswear, President Faye expressed his delight, stating, “We are very happy to welcome them back to national territory.” He also reiterated his assertion that the Lions are “the champions of Africa for the second time,” despite the title currently being contested before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
President Faye extended his gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for this pardon, timed perfectly with the “Tabaski festival” (Eid al-Adha), which is just days away. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), also commended the King’s decision, viewing it as an “inspiring and motivating illustration of football’s power to unite and bring together our peoples across Africa and worldwide.”
Sentences Ranging from Three Months to One Year
On January 18th, during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory after a tumultuous match. Controversy erupted when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the second half’s added time, immediately following a disallowed goal for Senegal. This led to several Senegalese players leaving the field, and a number of supporters attempting to invade the pitch and throwing projectiles.
In February, Moroccan courts handed down sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison to eighteen Senegalese individuals. They were prosecuted for “hooliganism,” specifically for acts of violence against law enforcement. By mid-April, three of these supporters had been released after completing their three-month sentences. Consequently, the royal pardon granted on Saturday extends to the remaining fifteen supporters.
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