Senegal is preparing to formally request a royal pardon from Morocco for a group of Senegalese football fans imprisoned after incidents during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match. The match, held in June 2025, saw clashes following Senegal's 1-0 victory over Morocco in Rabat.
A Senegalese government delegation, including officials and psychologists, has been dispatched to Rabat to assist the detained supporters and facilitate the legal process. The move follows the conviction and sentencing of the fans by a Moroccan court earlier this year.
Moroccan authorities had previously released and deported a first group of supporters shortly after the match. The current case involves those who remained in custody and faced legal proceedings. The Senegalese government's intervention aims to secure their release and repatriation.
The incident has been a diplomatic point of discussion between the two nations. The request for a royal pardon, a prerogative of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, represents the next step in resolving the situation and allowing the remaining fans to return home.
