King Mohammed VI of Morocco granted a royal humanitarian pardon on Saturday to 18 Senegalese football supporters jailed for hooliganism [1].
The move resolves a diplomatic and legal tension following the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final held in Rabat [1]. By releasing the prisoners, the Moroccan monarchy signals a desire to move past the violence associated with the tournament and maintain positive relations with Senegal.
The royal decree was issued from Casablanca on May 23 [2]. According to an official statement from the Royal Palace of Morocco, "The King has granted a humanitarian pardon to the 18 Senegalese supporters" [1].
The supporters were originally detained and convicted of hooliganism charges stemming from events in Rabat during the 2025 [1] tournament. The final match was marked by significant unrest and violence, leading to the arrests of the fans who remained in Moroccan custody until this weekend [2].
A statement from the royal court said the decision was made for "humanitarian reasons" [3]. The pardon allows the 18 [1] individuals to be released from prison and return to their home country.
Associated Press reported that the fans were jailed over hooliganism linked to the chaotic final [2]. The decree serves as a formal act of clemency, overriding the previous judicial convictions handed down to the supporters in the aftermath of the match [2].
“The King has granted a humanitarian pardon to the 18 Senegalese supporters.”
This royal pardon serves as a diplomatic gesture to mend ties between Morocco and Senegal after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. By utilizing a humanitarian decree rather than a judicial appeal, King Mohammed VI can resolve the incident without challenging the Moroccan court's original convictions for hooliganism, effectively balancing domestic law enforcement with international relations.
