Morocco's king releases Senegal football fans from jail for Eid

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has set free Senegalese football fans who were jailed after violence during the 2025 AFCON final in Rabat. This decision came for "humanitarian reasons," according to a statement from the royal court on Saturday.

The statement noted the "age-old fraternal ties" between Morocco and Senegal. It also mentioned the celebration of Eid al-Adha as a reason for the king's royal pardon to the Senegalese supporters.

Eid al-Adha will be observed on Wednesday in Morocco.

Senegal won the chaotic AFCON final on January 18, beating Morocco 1-0. But later, the match was given to Morocco after an appeal.

During the match, a penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time after a Senegal goal was disallowed. This led to Senegalese fans trying to rush onto the pitch and throwing objects.

In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters who had been in custody since the final. Their prison terms ranged from three months to a year.

Three of these supporters were released in mid-April after serving their three-month sentences.

After their release, 15 Senegalese fans remained in jail, with sentences between six months and one year.

The king's pardon is expected to cover these 15 fans.

Lawyer Patrick Kabou, who represented many of the Senegalese fans, told AFP they should be released late Saturday.

The public prosecutor’s office stated that the charges were mainly based on video footage from cameras at Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium. They also considered medical reports from injured law enforcement officers and stewards.

The damage from the violence was estimated to be over 370,000 euros, which is about $430,000.

After the African Football Confederation decided on March 17 to award the 2025 AFCON to Morocco, Senegal took their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.