Humanitarian reasons were the deciding factor in the release of Senegalese soccer fans from detention in Morocco. The royal family announced this on Saturday.
Release after months in detention: King Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned the Senegalese soccer fans detained following the riots at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat on “humanitarian grounds.” The Royal Court announced this on Saturday.
The amnesty was granted in light of the “centuries-old fraternal relations” between the two countries and on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha holiday. The Muslim Festival of Sacrifice will be celebrated in Morocco starting Wednesday.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his gratitude in a statement to X, speaking of “leniency and humanity.”
The Senegalese national team had won the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18 by a score of 1-0, but following an appeal, the victory was awarded to host Morocco by the African continental governing body CAF in a desk decision on March 17, nearly two months later.
Scandal in stoppage time
After a penalty was awarded to Morocco in stoppage time of the second half, shortly after a goal for Senegal had been disallowed, Senegalese fans attempted to storm the field and threw objects. In February, Moroccan courts sentenced the 18 Senegalese fans, who had been in custody in Morocco since the final, to prison terms ranging from three months to one year. Three of them were released in mid-April after serving their three-month sentences.
Following this release, 15 other Senegalese fans remained in custody after being sentenced to prison terms ranging from six months to one year. It is expected that the royal pardon will also apply to these 15. Attorney Patrick Kabou, who represented most of the Senegalese, told the AFP news agency that their release is expected on Saturday evening.
From Administrative Decision to CAS Appeal
According to the prosecution, the charges were based primarily on footage from surveillance cameras at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, as well as on medical reports from injured police officers and security personnel. The property damage caused by the riots was estimated at over 370,000 euros.
After the CAF decided by administrative act to award the continental title to Morocco, Senegal filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
