A group of Senegalese football supporters, who had been incarcerated following disturbances during the CAN 2025 final in Rabat this January, arrived back in Senegal on Sunday morning. Their return was made possible by a royal pardon issued by King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Saturday, citing “humanitarian considerations.”

Imprisoned after clashes during the CAN 2025 final in Rabat this January, Senegalese supporters returned to Senegal on Sunday morning, following a royal pardon granted by King Mohammed VI of Morocco on Saturday.

A statement from the royal cabinet on Saturday explained the decision: « Given the centuries-old fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha » — which will be observed on Wednesday in Morocco — the King « graciously granted a royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters for humanitarian reasons. »

« Champions of Africa for the second time »

The supporters landed overnight at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diamniadio, located on the outskirts of Dakar. They were greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and key figures from the Senegalese Football Federation. « We are overjoyed to have them back on national territory, » President Faye, dressed in sportswear, told reporters. He also reaffirmed his conviction that the Lions are « the champions of Africa for the second time, » despite the title currently being contested before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).

President Faye extended his gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for this act of clemency, timed with the celebration of « Tabaski » (Eid al-Adha) in a few days. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confédération africaine de football (CAF), also commended the King’s decision, viewing it as a « powerful and inspiring illustration of football’s ability to unite and bring together our people across Africa and worldwide. »

Sentences ranging from three months to one year

The incident unfolded on January 18 during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, where Senegal secured a 1-0 victory in a highly contentious match. Chaos erupted after a penalty was awarded to Morocco during second-half stoppage time, immediately following a disallowed goal for Senegal. Several Senegalese players subsequently left the field, and a number of supporters attempted to storm the pitch, throwing various projectiles.

In February, Moroccan judicial authorities handed down sentences ranging from three months to one year in prison to eighteen Senegalese individuals. They were prosecuted for « hooliganism, » including acts of violence against law enforcement personnel. By mid-April, three of these supporters had been released after completing their three-month sentences. Consequently, the royal pardon granted on Saturday applied to the remaining fifteen supporters.