CAF President Thanks Morocco's King for Pardoning Senegalese Fans

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), issued a statement on Sunday regarding the royal pardon granted by Morocco's King Mohammed VI to Senegalese supporters detained since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. These fans had been held following their involvement in disturbances during the match between Morocco and Senegal in January.

The Moroccan Royal Palace officially confirmed on Saturday the decision to pardon 15 Senegalese fans in conjunction with the Eid al-Adha holiday. The pardon was described as being granted for "humanitarian reasons" and applies to Senegalese supporters convicted of misdemeanors and crimes committed during the continental tournament's final.

According to the statement published on CAF's website, Motsepe said: "On behalf of the CAF member associations representing 54 African countries, I wish to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI for his gracious royal pardon of the Senegalese fans convicted of offenses related to the Africa Cup of Nations final, Morocco 2025."

He continued, "CAF remains committed to using football as a means to unite our peoples across diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. The pardon extended by His Majesty King Mohammed VI serves as an inspiring example and motivation regarding football's power to bring our peoples together in Africa and worldwide."

Motsepe added, "I was greatly impressed during my recent visits to both countries to witness the historical and profound ties between the peoples of Senegal and Morocco."

He concluded by wishing success to Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 World Cup finals, expressing confidence that they will make Africa proud.