Senegal football fans return home after royal pardon in Morocco
Summary
Senegalese football fans who were jailed in Morocco after violent events during the Africa Cup of Nations final in January have returned home following a royal pardon from King Mohammed VI. The pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds during the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, easing tensions between Senegal and Morocco.Key Facts
- The fans were jailed after violence and chaos at the AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco in January.
- King Mohammed VI of Morocco pardoned 15 Senegalese supporters still in prison.
- The pardon was given on humanitarian grounds and coincided with the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the fans back home in Dakar.
- The final match result is disputed: Senegal initially won, but on appeal, the title was awarded to Morocco. Senegal has appealed this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
- Moroccan courts sentenced the fans to prison terms of three months to one year for hooliganism.
- The violence caused over 370,000 euros ($430,000) in damage at Rabat’s stadium.
- Senegal and Morocco have a history of friendly relations and cooperation in sectors like tourism, energy, and share strong religious ties.
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