Returning in the early hours at Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport, the group was greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and top officials from the Senegalese Football Federation. « We are overjoyed to welcome them back to our homeland », declared the president, dressed in sportswear, while reaffirming the Senegalese national team’s status as African champions despite ongoing legal challenges.

The royal pardon was announced in a statement Saturday, citing « centuries-old fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal » and the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebrations. « In a spirit of human solidarity, His Majesty has granted clemency to the supporters », the communiqué stated.

A turbulent final and swift justice

On January 18, the African Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco descended into chaos when a contentious penalty was awarded to the hosts in stoppage time—just after a Senegalese goal was controversially disallowed. Fans rushed the pitch and clashed with security forces, triggering legal action.

Moroccan courts handed down prison sentences ranging from three months to one year to eighteen Senegalese supporters in February, convicting them of hooliganism and violence against law enforcement. By mid-April, three had already served their full terms and been released. The remaining fifteen were freed following the king’s decree.

Regional football leaders praise the gesture

President Faye extended his gratitude to Moroccan authorities, calling the pardon « a meaningful gesture on the eve of Tabaski ». Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, hailed the decision as « a powerful reminder of football’s unifying power across Africa and the world ».