Royal Pardon Granted to Senegalese Fans Following AFCON Final Incidents
The Royal Cabinet issued a statement on Saturday concerning the release of a number of Senegalese fans, in connection with the unrest that followed the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which had pitted the Moroccan and Senegalese national teams against each other.
The statement from the Royal Cabinet read as follows:
"In view of the historical fraternal ties binding the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal, and on the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Adha, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has graciously decided to grant His royal pardon, for humanitarian considerations, to the Senegalese fans convicted of the offences and crimes committed during the matches of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
This generous royal gesture reflects the depth of the bonds of fraternity, friendship and cooperation that permanently unite the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal. This royal pardon also embodies the deep-rooted values and traditions on which the authentic Moroccan identity is founded, foremost among them the values of clemency, mercy, compassion, generosity and the spirit of tolerance.
On the occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Adha, His Majesty the King, may God glorify Him, extends His most sincere wishes to His brother, His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as well as to the authorities and the brotherly people of Senegal.
May God preserve our Lord the Imam, perpetuate His glory and victory, immortalize His name through righteous deeds, and safeguard Him in the person of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, and all the members of the noble royal family."
