A group of Senegalese supporters who were jailed after a turbulent Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco returned to their homeland on Sunday, following a pardon granted by King Mohammed VI ahead of Eid al-Adha.
The Moroccan royal court said the monarch issued the clemency “on humanitarian grounds” on Saturday, marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. The pardon was extended to those still serving sentences connected to the January match in Rabat.
Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, welcomed the fans at an airport outside Dakar shortly after 1:00am, according to a report from an AFP journalist. Faye wore a tracksuit for the reunion and told reporters: “We’re very happy to have them back on Senegalese soil.”
While thanking Moroccan authorities for the decision, Faye also praised the Senegal national team as “two-time African champions” — a line that is likely to be viewed in Morocco as a fresh jab, given that the outcome of the January final remains the subject of an ongoing dispute before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
How the final led to jail, and how the situation unfolded
- Senegal secured a victory over Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on January 18, but the result was later overturned on appeal and awarded to the hosts.
- With the contest locked at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the second half, shortly after a Senegal strike had been ruled out.
- After the decision, Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch and threw objects.
- In protest at the penalty call, the Senegal team left the field and play was suspended for nearly 20 minutes.
- When action resumed, Morocco missed the penalty; Senegal then added a late goal in the 94th minute to claim the match on the field.
- In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese fans who had been held in Morocco since the final. Prison terms ranged from three months to one year for hooliganism.
- By mid-April, three supporters completed their three-month sentences and were released.
- After those releases, 15 Senegalese fans remained imprisoned, serving sentences between six months and one year; the royal pardon covered these 15.
The supporters’ return comes as the episode has contributed to strains in relations between Morocco and Senegal, despite a long tradition of friendly ties between the two nations.
Morocco’s royal court stressed that the pardon was linked to “age-old fraternal ties” and “on the occasion of the advent of Eid al-Adha,” which will be observed on Wednesday in Morocco. It said King Mohammed VI granted the clemency “on humanitarian grounds” to the Senegalese supporters.
Earlier, Faye had publicly welcomed the decision in a post on X, writing that “our compatriots… are free” and that they would “soon be reunited with their loved ones.” He also thanked the king for a ruling he described as “imbued with clemency and humanity.”
Legal and sporting background
Moroccan prosecutors said the case against the 18 supporters rested largely on video material captured by cameras at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium, alongside medical certificates covering injuries sustained by enforcement personnel and stewards.
The authorities estimated that damage connected to the violence exceeded 370,000 euros (around $430,000).
On the football side, the Confederation of African Football imposed disciplinary sanctions in late January on both national federations. The measures were tied to unsporting behavior and breaches of fair play principles.
Later, on March 17, the Confederation chose to award the title to Morocco through an administrative ruling. Senegal then lodged an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Beyond sport, Morocco and Senegal have cooperated in fields including tourism and energy and share close religious connections. Senegalese people also form the largest foreign community living in Morocco.
