Morocco king pardons jailed Senegal football fans for humanitarian reasons
Summary
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has pardoned 18 Senegalese football fans who were jailed after violence at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The pardon was given for humanitarian reasons and to honor the friendly relationship between Morocco and Senegal during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.Key Facts
- 18 Senegalese football supporters were jailed after a pitch invasion during the AFCON final in Rabat on January 18, 2025.
- The pitch invasion happened after a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time, causing Senegal players to leave the field in protest.
- The game paused for 14 minutes and ended with Senegal winning 1-0 in injury time.
- The African football governing body (CAF) later overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win because Senegal left the field against tournament rules.
- Senegal has appealed CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland; this could take up to a year to resolve.
- Morocco’s King pardoned the jailed fans as a gesture of goodwill and in honor of Eid al-Adha.
- The royal pardon statement referenced the long-standing fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal.
- Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday, was celebrated in Morocco on the Wednesday following the pardon announcement.
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