Morocco pardons Senegal fans jailed over AFCON final violence

Senegal fans arrested and jailed for various violence-related offences during the AFCON 2025 final match between Senegal and hosts Morocco have received royal pardon. The fans have also been allowed to leave the North African country for their home nation. Senegal had cried foul over contentious decisions in the AFCON 2025 final against the hosts, […]

Senegal fans arrested and jailed for various violence-related offences during the AFCON 2025 final match between Senegal and hosts Morocco have received royal pardon.

The fans have also been allowed to leave the North African country for their home nation.

Senegal had cried foul over contentious decisions in the AFCON 2025 final against the hosts, and the players left the pitch for 15 minutes in protest.

The fans also broke into fights in the stands, with several arrested and sent to prison.

According to Reuters, 18 individuals were arrested and while some have been released after serving their sentence, others received a royal pardon from Morocco king, His Majesty Mohammed VI.

According to the palace, the pardon was based on “human considerations” ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations, and the “long standing fraternal relationship” between both nations.

Senegal President announced the arrival of the stranded supporters in the West African country earlier today on the country’s X account.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the supporters surrounded by loved ones at the Blaise Diagne International Airport, and thanked King Mohammed VI for the royal pardon.

Despite the controversial decision and violence, Senegal won the AFCON final in extra-time, but have been stripped of the title by CAF’s disciplinary committee that faulted Senegal leaving the pitch in protest, and awarded Morocco the title instead.

Senegal have rejected the ruling and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports where the case is currently being considered.