CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has thanked Mohammed VI for granting a royal pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted following violence at the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a statement released on behalf of the Confédération Africaine de Football and its 54 member associations, Motsepe described the decision as an example of football’s ability to unite people across the African continent.
“On behalf of the CAF Member Associations who represent 54 African countries, I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe said.
The Moroccan royal cabinet announced the pardon ahead of Eid al-Adha, weeks after Bassirou Diomaye Faye publicly appealed for clemency for the jailed supporters.
The Senegalese fans had been serving prison sentences ranging from three months to one year after being convicted over violence and disturbances during the AFCON final in Rabat earlier this year.
Moroccan prosecutors accused the supporters of offences including rioting, pitch invasion and attacks on security personnel following chaotic scenes surrounding the match between Morocco and Senegal.
The incident became one of the most controversial moments in recent African football history after CAF awarded the title to Morocco when Senegal’s team walked off the pitch, ruling that the action violated tournament regulations.
Motsepe said CAF remained committed to using football as a force for unity and reconciliation.
“CAF has consistently emphasized its commitment to utilize football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
The CAF president also highlighted the historical relationship between Morocco and Senegal, saying he had been “amazed and impressed” by the close ties between the two nations during recent visits.
Motsepe used the statement to wish Africa’s representatives well ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, naming Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the countries expected to represent the continent on the global stage.
“We are confident that they will make Africa proud,” he added.
The royal pardon is expected to pave the way for the release and repatriation of the convicted supporters, although Moroccan authorities have yet to confirm when that process will begin.
