Motsepe thanks Mohammed VI for pardon of Senegalese supporters

Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe has thanked King Mohammed VI for granting, Saturday, a royal pardon to Senegalese supporters convicted over incidents linked to the 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal.
 
«On behalf of the CAF Member Associations representing 54 African countries, I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025», Motsepe said in a statement.

The CAF president added that the pardon was «an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide», recalling CAF’s commitment to using football as a tool for unity across racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Earlier on Saturday, the Royal Cabinet announced that King Mohammed VI had granted the pardon on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and in light of the «longstanding fraternal ties» between Morocco and Senegal. The statement said the decision was taken for humanitarian reasons and reflected the values of clemency, generosity and tolerance upheld by the Kingdom.

The monarch also extended Eid wishes to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the Senegalese people. In a message published after the announcement, President Faye thanked King Mohammed VI for the royal pardon, saying the detained Senegalese supporters would soon reunite with their families and praising the «ancient brotherhood» between Senegal and Morocco.