Three Senegalese football supporters were released this Saturday in Morocco after serving short prison terms linked to disturbances during the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat.
The fans, part of a group of 18 Senegalese convicted in February on hooliganism-related charges following a pitch invasion and crowd trouble at the final between Morocco and Senegal, had received three-month sentences. With time already spent in pre-trial detention, they became eligible for release around this weekend.
Before returning to Dakar, the three chose to make a pilgrimage to the historic Tijaniyya Sufi lodge (zawiya) in Fez, a major spiritual center for the Tijaniyya order, which has deep roots and many followers in Senegal.
A request for a royal pardon from Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has been submitted on behalf of the remaining detainees, whose sentences range up to one year.
Appeals against the convictions were recently upheld by a Moroccan court, but efforts continue to secure their release.
The case stems from unrest at the AFCON final in January 2025 at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Senegalese fans were accused of involvement in a pitch invasion, violence against security forces, and damage to facilities amid crowd surges and chaos.
The supporters have maintained their innocence, with many claiming they entered the pitch only to escape danger.
The incident strained emotions between the two nations but also highlighted longstanding cultural and religious ties, including through the Tijaniyya brotherhood, whose leaders have previously called for calm and unity between Moroccans and Senegalese.
The three released fans’ decision to visit the Fez zawiya before departing reflects the strong spiritual connection many Senegalese Muslims feel toward the Tijaniyya order’s Moroccan origins.
