A group of Senegalese football fans jailed in Morocco have returned home. They were pardoned by King Mohammed VI after their country's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in January.
The king granted the pardon "on humanitarian grounds." This happened during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the fans at the airport in Dakar. He said, "We're very happy to have them back on Senegalese soil."
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Start Your News DetoxFaye thanked Moroccan authorities for the pardon. He also called the national team "two-time African champions." This might be seen as a jab at Morocco. The January final is still being disputed in Switzerland.
The Controversial Match
Senegal won the final against Morocco in Rabat on January 18. However, the match was later awarded to Morocco after an appeal.
The game was tied 0-0. In stoppage time, a penalty was given to Morocco, and a Senegal goal was disallowed. Senegalese fans then tried to storm the field and threw objects.
The Senegalese team left the field to protest the penalty. This stopped play for almost 20 minutes.
When they returned, Morocco missed their penalty. Senegal then scored a winning goal in the 94th minute.
In February, Moroccan courts sentenced 18 Senegalese supporters to prison. Their sentences ranged from three months to a year for hooliganism.
Three fans were released in mid-April after serving three months. The royal pardon applied to the remaining 15 fans. They had received sentences from six months to one year.
Mending Ties
This incident has strained relations between Morocco and Senegal. These countries usually have friendly ties.
Morocco's royal court said the pardon was due to "age-old fraternal ties" and Eid al-Adha. The king granted it "on humanitarian grounds."
President Faye welcomed the decision on X, saying, "Our compatriots … are free. They will soon be reunited with their loved ones." He thanked King Mohammed VI for the "clemency and humanity."
The charges against the fans were based on stadium camera footage. They also included medical certificates from injured officers and stewards. The damage from the violence was estimated at over 370,000 euros (about $430,000).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplined both national federations. This was for unsporting conduct.
CAF awarded the title to Morocco in March. Senegal then appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Morocco and Senegal have a history of cooperation in tourism and energy. They also share strong religious ties. Senegalese people make up the largest foreign community in Morocco.
