Rabat – Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has revealed that he asked King Mohammed VI of Morocco to grant a royal pardon to Senegalese supporters jailed after violent incidents during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
In a press conference, Faye said he wrote to the Moroccan king both to congratulate him on hosting AFCON and to request clemency for the detained fans. “I asked the King of Morocco for forgiveness for our supporters,” he explained.
“We tried every possible way, through courts, diplomacy, even religious channels like the Tijaniyya order, but nothing worked.”
Faye added, “If all of this changes nothing, what else can be done? If there is another way, let us be told.”
Rabat Court Upholds Sentences
The appeal comes after the Rabat Court of Appeal confirmed convictions against 18 Senegalese supporters arrested during the chaotic final in January.
Judges upheld prison terms ranging from three months to one year, along with fines, rejecting defense requests to review video evidence.
Lawyers argued the footage was needed to verify identities and challenge the prosecution’s case.
The court disagreed, ruling that the facts were already clear and widely documented. Prosecutors stressed that the violence, including rioting, pitch invasion, and attacks on security forces, was visible to all and supported by sufficient proof.
Nine fans received one‑year sentences and fines of MAD 5,000 ($500). Six others were given six‑month terms with smaller fines, while three supporters were sentenced to three months.
A French national of Algerian origin was also jailed for three months after throwing a bottle.
Background of the Case
The arrests followed clashes in Rabat during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal. In March, CAF’s Appeals Board awarded the title to Morocco, ruling that Senegal’s walk‑off breached tournament regulations.
The legal fallout extended to the supporters, who were accused of vandalism, violence, and disorder inside the stadium.
Defense lawyer Patrick Kabo insisted the wrong people were punished. “Mistakes were made, and those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here,” he told reporters. Many of the accused denied involvement, claiming they entered the pitch under pressure or to escape projectiles.