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Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to Senegalese football supporters who were jailed following violence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat, in a decision described as being taken on humanitarian grounds.
A royal court statement on Saturday said the pardon was issued in consideration of the longstanding fraternal relations between Morocco and Senegal, and the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
The Muslim holiday will be celebrated on Wednesday in Morocco.
The supporters were arrested after incidents at the AFCON final on January 18, which Senegal won 1-0 before the result was later overturned on appeal in favour of hosts Morocco.
Tensions flared during the match after a late penalty decision for Morocco and a disallowed Senegalese goal, prompting some fans to attempt to storm the pitch and throw objects.
Eighteen Senegalese supporters were initially sentenced by Moroccan courts in February to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Three were later released in April after completing their sentences, while 15 others remained in custody.
Those still in detention were expected to benefit from the royal pardon and regain their freedom.
Their lawyer, Patrick Kabou, was quoted as saying that arrangements were being made for their release on Saturday evening.
Authorities said the convictions were based on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports from injured security personnel and stewards, while damages from the incident were estimated at over 370,000 euros.
Senegal has since challenged the administrative ruling that awarded the tournament to Morocco at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
