AFCON final drama takes new twist as Morocco’s king frees jailed Senegal supporters

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has issued a royal pardon for Senegalese football supporters jailed after chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, in a dramatic move that could ease tensions between the two countries months after one of African football’s most controversial matches.

May 23, 2026 - 23:35

AFCON final drama takes new twist as Morocco’s king frees jailed Senegal supporters

Fans scuffle with security personnel as they storm the field after a penalty decision against Senegal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. [Photo by Franck FIFE / AFP via Getty Images]

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has issued a royal pardon for Senegalese football supporters jailed after chaotic scenes during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, in a dramatic move that could ease tensions between the two countries months after one of African football’s most controversial matches.

Morocco’s king has pardoned Senegalese football supporters jailed after violence erupted during the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat.
The decision comes months after one of Africa’s most controversial football matches triggered diplomatic and sporting tensions.
Fifteen Senegalese supporters were still serving prison sentences linked to stadium unrest and property damage.
The dispute surrounding the final remains unresolved as Senegal challenges CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

A statement from Morocco’s royal court said the pardon was granted on “humanitarian grounds” and reflected the “age-old fraternal ties” between Morocco and Senegal ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The decision is expected to secure the release of 15 Senegalese supporters who remained behind bars following violence that erupted after the AFCON final in Rabat on January 18.

The match descended into chaos after officials awarded Morocco a late penalty in injury time, triggering protests from Senegal’s players and supporters. Senegal’s team temporarily walked off the pitch, forcing a 14-minute suspension before play resumed.

Morocco ultimately missed the penalty, but Senegal went on to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory moments later, sparking wild celebrations and confrontations inside Rabat’s Stade Moulay Abdellah.

Moroccan authorities later arrested 18 Senegalese supporters over the violence. Prosecutors said charges were based on stadium surveillance footage and medical reports documenting injuries sustained by security personnel and stewards. Authorities estimated property damage from the unrest at more than €370,000, equivalent to roughly $430,000.

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced the fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Three supporters who received shorter sentences were released in April after completing their jail terms, while the remaining 15 continued serving sentences of up to one year before the royal intervention.

Lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented several of the detained supporters, told AFP the group was expected to be released late Saturday.

The controversy surrounding the final has continued long after the match ended. In March, Confederation of African Football overturned Senegal’s on-field victory and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win, ruling that Senegal violated tournament regulations by leaving the pitch during the match.

Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, though a final ruling could take up to a year, prolonging a dispute that has already become one of the most contentious episodes in recent African football history.