King Mohammed VI of Morocco has granted a royal pardon to 15 Senegalese football supporters who were imprisoned following the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2025 final in mid-January. The decision, announced on May 24, 2026, allows the fans to return to Senegal after serving part of their sentences.
The supporters were arrested during the final match between Senegal and Algeria on January 18, 2025, in Rabat. They were convicted of charges related to public disorder and sentenced to three months in prison. Three of the 18 initially detained had already been released after completing their terms.
The pardon follows diplomatic efforts between Senegal and Morocco. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye thanked King Mohammed VI for the gesture, which has been welcomed by families and human rights groups. The exact number of fans pardoned is 15, as confirmed by official sources.
This act of clemency underscores the strong bilateral ties between Morocco and Senegal, with both nations emphasizing sportsmanship and regional solidarity.
