Morocco’s King Grants Pardon to Senegalese AFCON Fans Amid Diplomatic Tensions Dakar, Senegal – Moroccan King Mohammed VI has announced the pardon of 18 Senegalese football fans who were imprisoned for hooliganism during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, a decision that comes amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions between Morocco and Senegal.
The fans, sentenced in February to prison terms of up to a year for charges including damaging sporting facilities and committing violence, have now been released, confirmed the Moroccan Royal Cabinet.
The incident, which unfolded during the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco on January 18, 2026, was marked by chaotic scenes following a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco. Senegalese fans clashed with security services, and the Senegalese team walked off the pitch in protest over the decision. Senegal eventually triumphed 1-0, but the result was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Moroccan Royal Cabinet emphasized the long — standing fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal in granting the pardon. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the fans back home, expressing gratitude to Moroccan authorities for the pardon. Despite the ongoing dispute over the match’s outcome, Faye hailed the Senegalese national team as “two-time African champions. “.
The incident and subsequent trial have been a point of contention between the two nations, with Senegalese officials and fans arguing that the punishment was excessive and politically motivated.
The fans, imprisoned in Morocco, faced charges of hooliganism, violence against security forces, and damage to stadium infrastructure.
The pardon has been widely welcomed by both nations, with many interpreting it as a gesture of goodwill and a sign of the close ties between Morocco and Senegal.
However, the ongoing dispute over the AFCON final result continues to generate tension, with Senegal demanding a retraction of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The Africa Cup of Nations has a history of passionate and sometimes violent fan behavior, leading to security and disciplinary measures. This incident, however, has been particularly notable due to its impact on diplomatic relations between two of Africa’s leading football nations.
The release of the Senegalese fans marks a significant development in the aftermath of the controversial AFCON final and could potentially help ease tensions between Morocco and Senegal.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: AfricaNews
