Moroccan royal pardon for Senegalese fans after the Africa Cup of Nations final incidents

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Moroccan King Mohammed VI issued a royal pardon for 18 Senegalese fans who had been convicted in riot cases related to the African Cup of Nations final, in a move described as having humanitarian and diplomatic dimensions that reflect the strength of relations between Morocco and Senegal.

The decision came as the Eid al-Adha holiday approached, with the Moroccan Royal Court explaining that the pardon was issued “for humanitarian reasons” and in view of the “historical fraternal relations” that unite Rabat and Dakar.

The Senegalese fans had received prison sentences ranging from three months to a full year, after being accused of involvement in acts of violence and vandalism inside the stadium during the final of the continental championship, which was hosted by the Moroccan capital, Rabat, at the beginning of this year.

Work stoppage caused by penalty kick

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final witnessed one of the most controversial matches in the history of the competition, after riots broke out following the awarding of a penalty kick to Morocco via VAR technology, which prompted Senegal's players to temporarily withdraw from the field in protest against the refereeing decision.

Despite the Senegalese team’s later return and completion of the match, achieving a 1-0 victory, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later returned to officially award the title to Morocco after accepting an appeal submitted by Rabat, considering that Senegal’s withdrawal constituted a violation of the tournament regulations.

The decision sparked widespread anger in Senegal, while Senegalese sports authorities announced that they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against CAF’s decision, arguing that Morocco’s crowning as champions came in exceptional circumstances that had generated much controversy within African and international sports circles.

For his part, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomêne Faye welcomed the pardon decision, stressing that the fans would soon return to their country to meet their families, and expressing his appreciation to the Moroccan monarch for this “humanitarian gesture.”.

Observers also considered the move to contribute to calming the atmosphere between the two countries after months of tension related to the events of the continental final, especially in light of the strong political and economic relations that link Morocco and Senegal within the African continent.

Analysts believe that the royal pardon not only has sporting dimensions, but also reflects Morocco’s keenness to enhance its diplomatic and humanitarian image in Africa, especially with the growing political and economic role it has played in the west of the continent in recent years.