Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, has pardoned Senegalese football supporters convicted of hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier this year, in a move framed as both humanitarian and diplomatic.
According to a statement from the royal palace on Saturday, the pardon applies to 18 fans from Senegal who were sentenced in April to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Some had already completed their sentences and been released.
The charges stemmed from unrest during the tournament final in Rabat, where tensions flared after a contentious decision involving the video assistant referee system. Supporters were accused of violence against security forces, throwing objects, damaging stadium infrastructure and attempting to enter the pitch.
The match itself descended into chaos when Senegal’s players briefly walked off in protest following the VAR decision that awarded a penalty to Morocco. After a delay of around 14 minutes, play resumed, with Morocco ultimately missing the penalty. Senegal went on to secure a 1-0 victory on the pitch.
However, the controversy did not end there. In March, following an appeal by Morocco, the Confederation of African Football overturned the result, awarding the title to the host nation and stripping Senegal of the championship. The decision added a further layer of dispute to an already fraught final and has since been challenged by Senegal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where the case remains under review.
The royal pardon appears aimed at easing tensions in the aftermath of the incident. The palace said the decision was taken on “human considerations” ahead of Eid Al Adha, as well as in recognition of the longstanding ties between Morocco and Senegal.
Relations between the two countries have historically been close, with cooperation spanning political, economic and cultural spheres. The gesture is likely intended to reinforce that relationship at a moment when sporting tensions risk spilling into the diplomatic arena.
While the legal consequences for the fans have now been lifted, the broader dispute over the final’s outcome remains unresolved. The pending appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport will be closely watched, as it could determine whether Morocco’s awarded title stands or whether the original result is reinstated.
For now, the pardon offers a measure of closure for those directly affected, even as the wider controversy surrounding one of the most dramatic finals in recent African football history continues to unfold.
