King Mohammed Pardons Senegal Fans Convicted of Hooliganism After AFCON Final

Morocco Pardons Senegal Fans Convicted After AFCON Final ChaosKing Mohammed VI of Morocco has pardoned Senegal supporters who were convicted of hooliganism following incidents during the Africa Cup of Nations final hosted in Morocco earlier this year, according to a statement from the royal palace on Saturday.

A total of 18 Senegal fans had been sentenced in April to prison terms ranging from three months to one year over offenses linked to the final. Some of the supporters had already completed their jail terms and were released earlier.

The supporters faced accusations including attacking security personnel, throwing objects, damaging stadium property, and attempting to storm the pitch after VAR awarded Morocco a penalty during the final.

Senegal players briefly walked off the field in protest before returning after 14 minutes. Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure a 1-0 victory.

However, in March, the Confederation of African Football overturned the result after Morocco appealed, declaring Morocco AFCON champions and stripping Senegal of the title.

Senegal later challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the highest body for sports disputes.

The royal palace said the pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds ahead of Eid Al Adha celebrations and in recognition of the strong brotherly ties between Morocco and Senegal, two nations that have maintained close relations for many years.