Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has disclosed that he personally appealed to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI to secure a royal pardon for Senegalese football supporters who were imprisoned following violent scenes linked to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, but the request was not granted, according to Morocco World News.
Speaking at a press briefing, Faye said he had written to the Moroccan monarch both to congratulate the country on hosting AFCON and to seek leniency for the detained fans.
He stressed the depth of his efforts to resolve the matter through multiple channels.
“I asked the King of Morocco for forgiveness for our supporters,” he explained.
He further revealed that diplomatic and even religious avenues were explored without success.
“We tried every possible way, through courts, diplomacy, even religious channels like the Tijaniyya order, but nothing worked.”
Expressing frustration over the outcome, he added, “If all of this changes nothing, what else can be done? If there is another way, let us be told.”
The appeal follows the Rabat Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold the convictions of 18 Senegalese supporters arrested during disturbances surrounding the January final.
The court confirmed prison sentences ranging from three months to one year, alongside financial penalties, and rejected defence requests to re-examine video evidence said to be crucial for identifying those involved.
Prosecutors maintained that the incidents—including pitch invasion, rioting, and attacks on security personnel, were well-documented and clearly established, making further review unnecessary.
Sentences included nine fans receiving one-year prison terms and fines of MAD 5,000 ($500), six others given six-month sentences with reduced penalties, and three supporters handed three-month terms.
A French national of Algerian origin also received a three-month jail term for throwing a bottle during the chaos.
The unrest occurred in Rabat during the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.
In a related ruling earlier in March, the Confederation of African Football’s Appeals Board awarded the title to Morocco after determining that Senegal’s walk-off violated competition rules.
The legal proceedings also extended to supporters accused of vandalism and violence inside the stadium.
However, defence lawyer Patrick Kabo argued that the wrong individuals had been punished, insisting, “Mistakes were made, and those truly responsible are in Senegal, not here,” while several defendants maintained they were not directly involved, saying they either entered the pitch under pressure or to avoid projectiles.
