The king of Morocco forgives the detention of Senegalese football fans for humanitarian reasons Football News

Morocco has jailed 17 Senegalese fans following riots by fans at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned the Senegalese footballers arrested after violence at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat “for humanitarian reasons”, a royal court document has confirmed.

It added that because of the “old relationship” between the two countries “and with the coming of Eid al-Adha”, the king “has granted, for humanitarian reasons, his royal pardon to the followers of Senegal”.

The Muslim holiday will be observed on Wednesday in Morocco.

18 supporters were jailed following an attack that took place after a penalty in Morocco in the final injury time on January 18.

The match was halted for 14 minutes as Senegalese players and staff walked off the pitch in protest. When play resumed, Morocco missed the penalty before Senegal sealed the deal 1-0 win in the time of injury.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), the country’s governing body, overturned the decision on March 17, awarding the match as a 3-0 victory for Morocco. The people of North Africa dressed professionally.