After spending months behind bars, the supporters landed at Blaise Diagne International Airport outside Dakar in the early hours of Sunday. Their release followed a royal decree issued Saturday, citing “humanitarian considerations” and Morocco’s historic ties with Senegal.

King’s pardon ahead of Eid al-Adha

In a statement, the royal cabinet explained the pardon was granted “given the fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Senegal” and “on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha celebration.”

Warm welcome in Dakar

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally greeted the returnees alongside football federation officials. “We are delighted to welcome them back to national soil,” he told reporters, wearing sports attire. He reiterated Senegal’s status as “two-time African champions,” despite the ongoing title dispute at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The president also thanked Moroccan authorities for the pardon during the “Tabaski celebration period.” Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, praised the decision, calling it “a powerful example of football’s ability to unite and bring people together across Africa and beyond.”

Background of the unrest

On January 18, during the chaotic AFCON final in Rabat, Senegal secured a 1-0 victory. Controversial refereeing decisions sparked outrage: a late penalty for Morocco followed by a disallowed Senegalese goal led to players storming off the pitch and supporters invading the field and throwing objects.

Legal aftermath

In February, a Moroccan court sentenced eighteen Senegalese fans to prison terms ranging from three months to one year for “hooliganism,” including violence against security forces. By mid-April, three had already served their sentences and been released. The royal pardon granted Saturday applies to the remaining fifteen supporters.