Royal pardon allows Senegalese supporters to return home from Morocco
Senegalese football supporters convicted in Morocco following incidents linked to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have returned to Senegal after receiving a royal pardon from HM king Mohammed VI.
The supporters arrived at Blaise Diagne International Airport, where they were welcomed by Senegalese authorities and relatives. The decision was widely praised in both Senegal and Morocco as a gesture reflecting the strong historical and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
In an official statement, the Senegalese Football Federation expressed satisfaction with the outcome and thanked Moroccan and Senegalese authorities for their efforts in facilitating the supporters’ release and return home.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye also publicly thanked HM King Mohammed VI for what he described as a decision marked by humanity and compassion. He emphasized the longstanding brotherhood between the Senegalese and Moroccan people, noting that the royal gesture further strengthened relations between the two countries.
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, welcomed the royal pardon as well. He described the decision as an example of football’s ability to unite people across Africa and promote solidarity beyond sports competitions.
The supporters had been convicted in connection with incidents that occurred during the final stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026. Moroccan authorities announced that the pardon was granted for humanitarian reasons ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Observers across Africa viewed the initiative as a diplomatic and symbolic gesture aimed at promoting reconciliation, unity, and mutual respect through sport and international cooperation.
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