Full Breakdown
Royal Pardon for Senegalese Fans
5/24/2026, 4:21:55 AM
Royal Pardon for Senegalese Fans
On 25 May 2025, King Mohammed VI of Morocco issued a royal pardon for the 18 Senegalese supporters convicted of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Royal Cabinet framed the clemency as a humanitarian act tied to Eid al-Adha and the long-standing fraternal relationship between Morocco and Senegal.
Final Controversy and Legal Proceedings
The final on 18 January 2025 in Rabat saw a late penalty for Morocco, prompting Senegal’s players to walk off. After play resumed, Morocco missed the spot-kick and Senegal won 1-0. CAF reversed the result on 17 March, awarding a 3-0 win to Morocco and stripping Senegal of the title. Moroccan courts sentenced the 18 fans in February to terms of up to a year; three were released in April, leaving 15 still jailed when the pardon was announced.
Material Damage and Sentencing Overview
The pitch invasion caused material damage exceeding €370,000 (? $430,000). Sentences ranged from three months to one year, with three already freed. The pardon coincides with Eid al-Adha and follows dozens of bilateral trade and investment agreements signed by Morocco and Senegal to reinforce their fraternal ties.
Government and Governing-Body Reactions
The Royal Cabinet stressed the pardon’s humanitarian basis and the historic fraternal relationship between the two nations. The Royal court reiterated the king’s humanitarian motives. CAF defended its title reversal, citing Senegal’s breach of tournament regulations by walking off. Senegal’s football federation announced an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking reinstatement of the original 1-0 result.
Rights-Group Concerns and CAF Critique
Moroccan rights groups warned that the post-final climate fostered hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents. Independent observers criticized CAF’s reversal as an overreach that politicized sport, arguing the decision undermined the integrity of the competition.
Discrepancies in Fan Count and Release Details
Sources differ on the number of detained fans, with one report citing 17 and another confirming 18. Precise timing of the remaining supporters’ release after the pardon has not been disclosed. The outcome of Senegal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport remains pending.
Key Direct Statements
- “Given the long-standing fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI has graciously granted, for humanitarian reasons, his royal pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted of offenses committed during Africa Cup of Nations competitions.” — Royal Cabinet
- “The king has granted, on humanitarian grounds, his royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters.” — Royal court statement
- “They were expected to be released late Saturday.” — Patrick Kabou, lawyer
- “Hate speech targeting sub-Saharan residents.” — Rights groups in Morocco
Future Releases and Legal Outcomes
The 15 remaining fans are expected to be released within days, subject to verification of the pardon’s scope. Senegal’s arbitration case will determine whether the original 1-0 victory is reinstated. Both governments have pledged to maintain trade agreements while monitoring community relations after the clemency.
